Meliacine, an Antiviral Compound from Melia azedarach L., Inhibits Interferon Production

Abstract

A glycopeptide isolated from the high plant Melia azedarach L. (meliacine) inhibits the in vitro replication of several RNA and DNA animal viruses. Interferon (IFN) production was depressed greatly in meliacine treated L929 cells and primary mouse embryo fibroblast cultures (MEF) induced with Newcastle disease virus (NDV) or poly(rI).poly(rC). This action was observed when meliacine was added before, simultaneously or early after induction with poly(rI).poly(rC) or NDV. In addition, accumulation of acid-resistant IFN was strongly diminished in adult mice treated intraperitoneally with meliacine. Though meliacine causes a strong inhibition of IFN both in vitro and in vivo, we do not know how selectively it affects the IFN system.