Castanea crenata honey reduces influenza infection by activating the innate immune response

Influenza is an acute respiratory disorder caused by the influenza virus and associated with prolonged hospitalization high mortality rates in older individuals chronically ill patients. Vaccination most effective preventive strategy for ameliorating seasonal influenza. However, vaccine not fully cases of antigenic mismatch viral strains circulating community. The emergence resistance to antiviral drugs aggravates situation. Therefore, developing new vaccines essential. Castanea crenata honey (CH) extensively cultivated food worldwide has been used as a nutritional supplement or herbal medicine. potential anti-influenza properties CH remain unexplored. In this study, vitro vivo effects were assessed. significantly prevented infection mouse Raw264.7 macrophages. pretreatment inhibited expression proteins M2, PA, PB1 enhanced secretion proinflammatory cytokines type-I interferon (IFN)-related . increased RIG-1, mitochondrial signaling (MAVS) protein, IFN-inducible transmembrane which interferes replication. reduced body weight loss 20.9%, survival 60%, decreased replication inflammatory response lungs A virus-infected mice. stimulates murine macrophages mice preventing through RIG-1-mediated MAVS pathway. Further investigation warranted understand molecular mechanisms involved protective on infection.