Quercetin, a flavonoid, suppresses viral proliferation by interfering with the ubiquitin transfer from E1 to E2 enzymes

Quercetin is recognized for diverse pharmacological activities. However, the mechanism underlying its broad-antiviral effects has not been elucidated. Herein, we identified quercetin as a potent inhibitor of both double-stranded DNA virus Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) and single-stranded RNA virus porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) revealed that quercetin targets host ubiquitin-activating enzyme 1 (Uba1) homologs. Uba1 knockdown reduced viral proliferation and enhanced the antiviral effect of quercetin, whereas Uba1 overexpression functioned oppositely. Quercetin bound Uba1 homologs with high affinity. Notably, mutation of two binding residues, Q977 and G978, significantly disrupted the binding between BmUba1 and quercetin, and abolished quercetin’s antiviral activity. Quercetin obstructed the transfer of ubiquitin from Uba1 to the E2 enzyme Ubc6, impairing the ubiquitination process. Similarly, quercetin inhibited PRRSV proliferation via targeting Uba1 in mammals. These findings elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the pharmacological effects of quercetin, providing a theoretical basis for the development of novel antiviral agents against both DNA and RNA viruses. Focusing on BmNPV and PRRSV, this study reveals that quercetin inhibits both DNA and RNA viruses by targeting Uba1 homologs, disrupting ubiquitin transfer between E1 and E2 enzymes. Mutations in key residues on Uba1 impair the binding with quercetin, thus lost the antiviral effect of quercetin. The conserved mechanism across species underscores quercetin’s broad-spectrum antiviral potential, providing a theoretical basis for developing effective antiviral drugs against diverse viral infections.