The inhibition of H1N1 influenza virus-induced apoptosis by silver nanoparticles functionalized with zanamivir

As one of the most effective drugs for influenza virus infection, clinical application of zanamivir is restricted with the emergence of resistant influenza virus. It is crucial to manufacture novel pharmaceuticals against influenza virus infection. In recent years silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted wide attention in the antiviral field. In this study, we demonstrated surface decoration of AgNPs using zanamivir (ZNV) with antiviral properties. AgNPs co-delivery of the zanamivir nanosystem was designed to reverse influenza virus resistance. In brief, zanamivir modified AgNPs (Ag@ZNV) inhibited the neuraminidase activity of the H1N1 virus. Moreover, cytopathic effect showed that Ag@ZNV remarkably resisted H1N1 virus-induced apoptosis of MDCK cells, involving DNA fragmentation, chromatin condensation and caspase-3 activation. Ag@ZNV effectively reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by H1N1 virus and activation of both p38 and p53 signaling pathways. Taken together, our study indicates that Ag@ZNV is a novel promising pharmaceutical against H1N1 influenza virus infection.