Immunological Effects of Remdesivir on Colon Cancer Cell Line

Background: Colon cancer is considered the third most frequent malignant tumor in the world as well as the leading cause of mortality. Unlike other antiviral agents, remdesivir has been investigated for new therapeutic options in various cancer types, but its impact on colon cancer cell death and immune response has not been well documented.Objectives: To assess the effects of remdesivir on the viability of SW480 colon cancer cells and the modulatory effect on immune responses in the colon cancer cell line.Materials and methods: SW480 colon cancer cells were exposed to different doses of remdesivir (62,5, 125, 250, 500, 1000, and 2000 µg/mL). Cell viability was measured in MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay, and the immune response was probed through the expression of cytokines directly using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method of IL-23 (interleukin-23), TGF-β (tumor necrosis factor-β), and TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α). The control group included cells incubated along with the same medium without the addition of any compounds, whereas the experimental group included cells exposed to different doses of remdesivir.Results: Remdesivir exhibited the highest inhibitory effect on SW480 colon cancer cell viability at a dose of 1000 µg/µl. Remdesivir had an influence on the immune response, as evident, IL-23 and TGF-β demonstrated mild decrease, and TNF-α demonstrated a sharp increment at the highest concentration of 125 µg/µL.Conclusion: Remdesivir has demonstrated potential for its cytotoxic effects on colon cancer cells, and it has potentially a significant modulatory effect-related cytokines.