Inhibition of H1N1 influenza virus by selenium nanoparticles loaded with zanamivir through p38 and JNK signaling pathways

Zanamivir is an effective drug for influenza virus infection, but strong molecular polarity and aqueous solubility limit its clinical application. In recent years, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have attracted attention in the biological field. In this study, surface decoration of SeNPs using zanamivir (ZNV) with antiviral properties was demonstrated. SeNPs co-delivery of a zanamivir nanosystem was designed to reverse influenza virus infection. In breif, the MTT assay, cytopathic effect and nucleic acid level of the virus suggested that zanamivir modified SeNPs (Se@ZNV) resisted proliferation of H1N1 virus and MDCK cells achieved higher viability after treatment with this compound. Besides, both activation and expression of caspase-3 induced during H1N1 virus infection were depressed when treated with Se@ZNV. Furthermore, phosphorylation of p38 and JNK were down-regulated by Se@ZNV. Taken together, our study indicates that Se@ZNV is a novel promising pharmaceutical against H1N1 influenza virus infection.