Identification of γ-Fagarine as a novel antiviral agent against respiratory virus (hMPV) infection

•γ-Fagarine possesses inhibitory activity against human metapneumovirus (hMPV) in vitro and in vivo.•γ-Fagarine blocking hMPV binding and infection relates to heparan sulfate proteoglycans.•γ-Fagarine influences the lysosome pH to inhibit virus replication.