Inhalation of 2, 4-Di-tert-butylphenol-Loaded Micelles Suppresses
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Mice
Abstract
Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory
infections in infants, young children, and elderly people. However,
there are no effective treatments or vaccines available in most
countries. In this study, we explored the anti-RSV potential of 2,
4-Di-tert-butylphenol (2, 4-DTBP), a compound derived from Houttuynia
cordata Thunb. To overcome the poor solubility of 2, 4-DTBP, we
encapsulated it in polymeric micelles and delivered it by inhalation. We
found that 2, 4-DTBP-loaded micelles inhibited RSV infection in vitro
and improved survival, lung pathology, and viral clearance in
RSV-infected mice. Our results suggest that 2, 4-DTBP-loaded micelles
are a promising novel therapeutic agent for RSV infection and that
micellar delivery can enhance the efficacy of lipophilic drugs.