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Azithromycin induces anti-viral responses in bronchial epithelial cells

V. Gielen, S.L. Johnston, M.R. Edwards
European Respiratory Journal 2010 36: 646-654; DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00095809
V. Gielen
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S.L. Johnston
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M.R. Edwards
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  • For correspondence: michael.edwards@ic.ac.uk
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Abstract

The majority of asthma exacerbations are caused by rhinovirus. Currently the treatment of asthma exacerbations is inadequate. Previous evidence suggests that macrolide antibiotics have anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects; however, the mechanism is unknown.

We investigated the anti-rhinoviral potential of macrolides through the induction of antiviral gene mRNA and protein. Primary human bronchial epithelial cells were pre-treated with the macrolides azithromycin, erythromycin and telithromycin, and infected with minor-group rhinovirus 1B and major-group rhinovirus 16. The mRNA expression of the antiviral genes, type I interferon-β and type III interferon-λ1, interferon-λ2/3, and interferon-stimulated genes (retinoic acid inducible gene I, melanoma differentiation associated gene 5, oligoadenylate synthase, MxA and viperin) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8), and rhinovirus replication and release were measured.

Azithromycin, but not erythromycin or telithromycin, significantly increased rhinovirus 1B- and rhinovirus 16-induced interferons and interferon-stimulated gene mRNA expression and protein production. Furthermore, azithromycin significantly reduced rhinovirus replication and release. Rhinovirus induced IL-6 and IL-8 protein and mRNA expression were not significantly reduced by azithromycin pre-treatment.

In conclusion, the results demonstrate that azithromycin has anti-rhinoviral activity in bronchial epithelial cells and, during rhinovirus infection, increases the production of interferon-stimulated genes.

  • Cytokines
  • inflammation
  • lung
  • viral

Footnotes

  • Support Statement

    A statement of interest for the present study can be found at www.erj.ersjournals.com/misc/statements.dtl

  • Received June 17, 2009.
  • Accepted February 4, 2010.
  • ©2010 ERS
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Azithromycin induces anti-viral responses in bronchial epithelial cells
V. Gielen, S.L. Johnston, M.R. Edwards
European Respiratory Journal Sep 2010, 36 (3) 646-654; DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00095809

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Azithromycin induces anti-viral responses in bronchial epithelial cells
V. Gielen, S.L. Johnston, M.R. Edwards
European Respiratory Journal Sep 2010, 36 (3) 646-654; DOI: 10.1183/09031936.00095809
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  • Respiratory infections and tuberculosis
  • Pulmonary pharmacology and therapeutics
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