Qian Y, et al. - The present study aimed to examine the cell-protective effect of PNU-282987 against enterovirus 71 infection in neuronal cells, and to discuss potential mechanisms underlying this cell-protective effect in order to elucidate the potential impact of such agonists in the treatment of neurotropic viral infection. Inhibition of EV71 production by PNU appeared associated with events of RNA replication. Researchers recognized the antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects of PNU which seemed to contribute to the neural protective effect in EV71-infected cells. Thus, selective alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) agonists could be viable candidates for future therapeutic treatment of severe enterovirus 71 infection, and for other cases of neurotropic viral infection.