Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), an important infectious disease of swine caused by porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), is one of the most important infectious diseases threatening the pig industry. Macleaya cordata extract (MCE), a traditional Chinese medicine, is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Its anti-PRRSV activity and underlying mechanism remain unclear. In the present study, MCE was found to have anti-PRRSV activity and a favorable drug safety profile. MCE inhibited PRRSV proliferation dose-dependent manner, suppressing PRRSV adsorption and internalization. Furthermore, network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis were utilized to predict that EGFR may be a potential target of MCE. Meanwhile, the results showed that MCE inhibits PRRSV proliferation by suppressing the expression of EGFR and phosphorylation. The BLI results showed that the binding of MCE to EGFR was concentration-dependent, further confirming that MCE exerts its antiviral effect by targeting EGFR. In conclusion, the MCE exhibits a potent antiviral effect against PRRSV, providing evidence for the antiviral mechanism of MCE.

To Cite This Article: Li Y, Sun J, Qi S, Wang X, Su W, Li Q, Li Y, Bi J, Yin G and Zhou Z, 2026. Inhibition of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection by macleaya cordata extract targeting EGFR. Pak Vet J, 46(2): 473-484. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2026.036