The Extract of the Endophytic Fungus Penicillium compactum Inhibits the Replication of Human Coronavirus

International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2026 Open access

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Authors: Jihun Choi, Siyun Lee, Chunghyeon Lee, Chunghyeon Lee, Seungju Cho, Woochul Jung, Jayhyun Park, Jayhyun Park, Yeong-Geun Lee, Youngae Jung, Chun-Zhi Jin, Hyung-Gwan Lee
+4 more Chang Soo Lee, Chang Soo Lee, Junsoo Park, Junsoo Park
DOI: 10.3390/ijms27031183
Cited by: 1
References: 31

Abstract

Fungal extracts have been reported to exert diverse biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. However, the anti-coronaviral properties of fungal extracts remain largely unexplored. In this study, we demonstrated that the Penicillium compactum extract (PCE) inhibits the replication of human coronavirus. RD cells were infected with human coronavirus and subsequently treated with PCE. PCE treatment reduced the expression of viral proteins and ameliorated virus-induced cytopathic effects. In addition, PCE markedly decreased viral RNA levels in both the cells and the conditioned medium. Finally, we confirmed that PCE treatment reduced the production of infectious viral particles. Collectively, these findings indicate that PCE exhibits potent antiviral activity against human coronavirus.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Microbial Natural Products and Biosynthesis Fungal Biology and Applications Microbial Metabolism and Applications

Publication details

Journal / source
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Publisher
MDPI AG
Volume
27
Issue
3
Pages
1183–1183
Publication date
24 January 2026
Language
EN