Antiviral, immunomodulatory, and free radical scavenging activities of a protein-enriched fraction from the larvae of the housefly, Musca domestica

J Insect Sci. 2013:13:112. doi: 10.1673/031.013.11201.

Abstract

In our previous study, protein-enriched fraction (PEF) that was isolated from the larvae of the housefly, Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae), showed excellent hepatoprotective activity as well as the potential for clinical application in therapy for liver diseases. In this study, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and free radical scavenging activities of PEF were evaluated. The antiviral results demonstrated that PEF inhibited the infection of avian influenza virus H9N2 and had a virucidal effect against the multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus of the alfalfa looper, Autographa californica Speyer (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in vitro. The mortality of silkworm larve in a PEF treatment group decreased significantly compared with a negative control. PEF showed excellent scavenging activity for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and superoxide anion radicals, which were similar to those of ascorbic acid. The imunomodulatory results suggested that PEF could effectively improve immune function in experimental mice. Our results indicated that PEF could possibly be used for the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases caused by avian influenza virus infection. In addition, PEF with virucidal activity against insect viruses might provide useful for the development of antimicrobial breeding technology for economically important insects. As a natural product from insects, PEF could be a potential source for the discovery of potent antioxidant and immunomodulatory agents.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / metabolism
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic
  • Free Radical Scavengers / metabolism
  • Free Radical Scavengers / pharmacology*
  • Houseflies / growth & development
  • Houseflies / immunology*
  • Houseflies / virology
  • Immunomodulation*
  • Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype / drug effects*
  • Influenza A Virus, H9N2 Subtype / physiology
  • Insect Proteins / metabolism
  • Insect Proteins / pharmacology*
  • Larva / growth & development
  • Larva / immunology
  • Larva / virology
  • Mice
  • Nucleopolyhedroviruses / drug effects*
  • Nucleopolyhedroviruses / physiology
  • Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms
  • Tissue Extracts / metabolism
  • Tissue Extracts / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Insect Proteins
  • Tissue Extracts