Figure 1.

AGO2 promotes proliferation of H5N1 in A549 cells. (A) A549 cells were transfected with siNC or siAGO2. After 48 h, the cells were harvested and examined. Quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were used to assess silencing efficiency. Data are presented as means ± SD from three independent experiments. (B,C) A549 cells were transfected with siNC or siAGO2. After 48 h, the cells were infected with H5N1. Quantitative RT-PCR for H5N1 NP gene mRNA and TCID₅₀ assays for the virus titer of H5N1 were performed to detect multiplication of the virus at 24 h.p.i. Data are presented as means ± SD from three independent experiments. (D) A549 cells were transfected with HA-AGO2 and empty vectors, and expressions was detected by western blot. (E,F) A549 cells were transfected with HA-AGO2 and empty vectors. After 48 h, the cells were infected with H5N1. Quantitative RT-PCR for H5N1 NP gene mRNA and TCID₅₀assays for the virus titer of H5N1 were performed to estimate virus multiplication at 24 h.p.i. Data are presented as means ± SD from three independent experiments. ^***P < 0.0001, as determined by a t test.