Anti-Inflammatory Immunomodulatory Activity of Valacyclovir on the in Vitro Activated Mammalian Macrophages

Background: Aciclovir, often known as acyclovir, is a nucleoside analog that exhibits antiviral activity in vitro against human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), cytomegalovirus (CMV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV). Valacyclovir is an amino acid ester prodrug of acyclovir. We examined valacyclovir, which is also an anti-viral agent, for its effects on inflammation. Methods: Mammalian Macrophages were activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence of a concentration range of CSF) and IL-12p40 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to measure the production levels of these pro-inflammatory cytokines. Results: Our results suggest that Valacyclovir had anti-inflammatory activity on the LPS-activated mammalian macrophages. Conclusion: Valacyclovir has the potential to be utilized in the clinical setting as an anti-viral drug molecule with antiinflammatory properties. Future studies are needed to further confirm its activities on different immune system cell types.