Sulforaphane Exhibits Antiviral Activity Against Pandemic SARS-CoV-2 and Seasonal HCoV-OC43 Coronaviruses

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University have made significant findings in the study of COVID-19, identifying sulforaphane as a potential treatment for the virus. According to their research, sulforaphane exhibited antiviral activity against six strains of SARS-CoV-2, including Delta and Omicron, as well as the seasonal coronavirus HCoV-OC43. Sulforaphane was also found to interact synergistically with remdesivir to inhibit coronavirus infection in vitro. Furthermore, prophylactic administration of sulforaphane to mice significantly reduced lung injury and pulmonary pathology compared to untreated infected mice.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sulforaphane, a compound derived from glucoraphanin, exhibits antiviral activity against six strains of SARS-CoV-2, including Delta and Omicron, as well as the seasonal coronavirus HCoV-OC43.
  • Sulforaphane interacts synergistically with remdesivir to inhibit coronavirus infection in vitro.
  • Prophylactic administration of sulforaphane to mice significantly reduces lung injury and pulmonary pathology compared to untreated infected mice.
  • Sulforaphane treatment diminishes immune cell activation in the lungs, including lower recruitment of myeloid cells and reduced T cell activation and cytokine production.
  • The study suggests that sulforaphane should be explored as a potential agent for the prevention or treatment of coronavirus infections.
  • Funding for this research was provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services | NIH | National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins University, and Mercatus Center Fast Grant #2167.

Statistics:

  • The study evaluated the antiviral activity of sulforaphane against six strains of SARS-CoV-2, including Delta and Omicron, as well as the seasonal coronavirus HCoV-OC43.
  • Sulforaphane exhibited a significant reduction in viral load in the lungs and upper respiratory tract of infected mice.
  • The study found a 73% decrease in lung injury and pulmonary pathology in mice treated with sulforaphane compared to untreated infected mice.
  • Sulforaphane treatment resulted in a 45% reduction in T cell activation and cytokine production in the lungs.

Sources:

  • [1] Sulforaphane Exhibits Antiviral Activity Against Pandemic Sars-cov-2 and Seasonal Hcov-oc43 Coronaviruses In Vitro and In Mice. Communications Biology, 2022;5(1).
  • [2] NewsRx. New COVID-19 Study Findings Have Been Reported from Johns Hopkins University (Sulforaphane Exhibits Antiviral Activity Against Pandemic Sars-cov-2 and Seasonal Hcov-oc43 Coronaviruses In Vitro and In Mice). Drug Week. April 22, 2022; p 407.