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Zheng J, Li Y, Kong X, Guo J. Exploring immune-related pathogenesis in lung injury: Providing new insights Into ALI/ARDS. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116773. [PMID: 38776679 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) represent a significant global burden of morbidity and mortality, with lung injury being the primary cause of death in affected patients. The pathogenesis of lung injury, however, remains a complex issue. In recent years, the role of the immune system in lung injury has attracted extensive attention worldwide. Despite advancements in our understanding of various lung injury subtypes, significant limitations persist in both prevention and treatment. This review investigates the immunopathogenesis of ALI/ARDS, aiming to elucidate the pathological processes of lung injury mediated by dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells, phagocytes, and neutrophils. Furthermore, the article expounds on the critical contributions of gut microbiota, inflammatory pathways, and cytokine storms in the development of ALI/ARDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajing Zheng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ying Li
- Pharmacy Department of the First Affiliated Hospital, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471000, China
| | - Xianbin Kong
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Jinhe Guo
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
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Bes-Berlandier H, Coiffard B, Bermudez J, Demazes-Dufeu N, Coltey B, Boschi C, Colson P, Hraiech S, Reynaud-Gaubert M, Cassir N. Management of immunosuppression in lung transplant recipients and COVID-19 outcomes: an observational retrospective cohort-study. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:536. [PMID: 38807049 PMCID: PMC11134755 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09269-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the impact of immunosuppression management on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outcomes. METHODS We performed a single-center retrospective study in a cohort of 358 lung transplant recipients (LTx) over the period from March 2020 to April 2022. All included symptomatic patients had at least one positive SARS-CoV-2 rt-PCR. We used a composite primary outcome for COVID-19 including increased need for oxygen since the hospital admission, ICU transfer, and in-hospital mortality. We assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses the risk factors for poor outcomes. RESULTS Overall, we included 91 LTx who contracted COVID-19. The COVID-19 in-hospital mortality rate reached 4.4%. By hierarchical clustering, we found a strong and independent association between the composite poor outcome and the discontinuation of at least one immunosuppressive molecule among tacrolimus, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil, and everolimus. Obesity (OR = 16, 95%CI (1.96; 167), p = 0.01) and chronic renal failure (OR = 4.6, 95%CI (1.4; 18), p = 0.01) were also independently associated with the composite poor outcome. Conversely, full vaccination was protective (OR = 0.23, 95%CI (0.046; 0.89), p = 0.047). CONCLUSION The administration of immunosuppressive drugs such as tacrolimus, cyclocporine or everolimus can have a protective effect in LTx with COVID-19, probably related to their intrinsic antiviral capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Bes-Berlandier
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Institute -Méditerranée Infection (IHU), Marseille, France
| | - Benjamin Coiffard
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Lung Transplantation, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Julien Bermudez
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Lung Transplantation, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Nadine Demazes-Dufeu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Lung Transplantation, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Bérengère Coltey
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Lung Transplantation, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
| | - Céline Boschi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Institute -Méditerranée Infection (IHU), Marseille, France
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEΦI), Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement IRD, Assistance Publique, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille, Cedex 05 13385, France
| | - Philippe Colson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Institute -Méditerranée Infection (IHU), Marseille, France
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEΦI), Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement IRD, Assistance Publique, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille, Cedex 05 13385, France
| | - Sami Hraiech
- Service de Médecine Intensive - Réanimation, AP-HM, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
- Faculté de médecine, Centre d'Etudes et de Recherches sur les Services de Santé et qualité de vie EA 3279, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, 13005, France
| | - Martine Reynaud-Gaubert
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Lung Transplantation, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, Hôpital Nord, Marseille, France
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEΦI), Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement IRD, Assistance Publique, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille, Cedex 05 13385, France
| | - Nadim Cassir
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Institute -Méditerranée Infection (IHU), Marseille, France.
- Microbes, Evolution, Phylogeny and Infection (MEΦI), Hôpitaux de Marseille (AP-HM), Aix-Marseille Université, Institut de Recherche Pour le Développement IRD, Assistance Publique, Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire (IHU), Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, Marseille, Cedex 05 13385, France.
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3
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Yang L, Wu Y, Jin W, Mo N, Ye G, Su Z, Tang L, Wang Y, Li Y, Du J. The potential role of ferroptosis in COVID-19-related cardiovascular injury. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115637. [PMID: 37844358 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged as a global health threat in 2019. An important feature of the disease is that multiorgan symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection persist after recovery. Evidence indicates that people who recovered from COVID-19, even those under the age of 65 years without cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, had a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease for up to one year after diagnosis. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 for potential cardiovascular damage that may manifest at a later stage. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of non-apoptotic cell death characterized by the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased lipid peroxide levels. Several studies have demonstrated that ferroptosis plays an important role in cancer, ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/RI), and other cardiovascular diseases. Altered iron metabolism, upregulation of reactive oxygen species, and glutathione peroxidase 4 inactivation are striking features of COVID-19-related cardiovascular injury. SARS-CoV-2 can cause cardiovascular ferroptosis, leading to cardiovascular damage. Understanding the mechanism of ferroptosis in COVID-19-related cardiovascular injuries will contribute to the development of treatment regimens for preventing or reducing COVID-19-related cardiovascular complications. In this article, we go over the pathophysiological underpinnings of SARS-CoV-2-induced acute and chronic cardiovascular injury, the function of ferroptosis, and prospective treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Yang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunyi Wu
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weidong Jin
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Nan Mo
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gaoqi Ye
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zixin Su
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lusheng Tang
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yanchun Li
- Department of Central Laboratory, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jing Du
- Laboratory Medicine Center, Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Poddar NK, Khan A, Fatima F, Saxena A, Ghaley G, Khan S. Association of mTOR Pathway and Conformational Alterations in C-Reactive Protein in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Infections. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3815-3832. [PMID: 37665407 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01402-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory biomarkers have been very useful in detecting and monitoring inflammatory processes along with providing helpful information to select appropriate therapeutic strategies. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a nonspecific, but quite useful medical acute inflammatory biomarker and is associated with persistent chronic inflammatory processes. Several studies suggest that different levels of CRP are correlated with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, dynamics of CRP levels have also been observed in virus/bacterial-related infections leading to inflammatory responses and this triggers mTOR-mediated pathways for neurodegeneration diseases. The biophysical structural transition from CRP to monomeric CRP (mCRP) and the significance of the ratio of CRP levels on the onset of symptoms associated with inflammatory response have been discussed. In addition, mTOR inhibitors act as immunomodulators by downregulating the expression of viral infection and can be explored as a potential therapy for neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitesh Kumar Poddar
- Department of Biosciences, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur-Ajmer Express Highway, Dehmi Kalan, Near GVK Toll Plaza, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, 303007.
| | - Arshma Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Invertis University, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India, 243123
| | - Falak Fatima
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India, 201301
| | - Anshulika Saxena
- Department of Biosciences, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur-Ajmer Express Highway, Dehmi Kalan, Near GVK Toll Plaza, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, 303007
| | - Garima Ghaley
- Department of Biosciences, Manipal University Jaipur, Jaipur-Ajmer Express Highway, Dehmi Kalan, Near GVK Toll Plaza, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, 303007
| | - Shahanavaj Khan
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, Indian Institute of Health and Technology (IIHT), Deoband, Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India, 247554.
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Shi G, Chiramel AI, Li T, Lai KK, Kenney AD, Zani A, Eddy AC, Majdoul S, Zhang L, Dempsey T, Beare PA, Kar S, Yewdell JW, Best SM, Yount JS, Compton AA. Rapalogs downmodulate intrinsic immunity and promote cell entry of SARS-CoV-2. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e160766. [PMID: 36264642 PMCID: PMC9753997 DOI: 10.1172/jci160766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in immunocompromised individuals is associated with prolonged virus shedding and evolution of viral variants. Rapamycin and its analogs (rapalogs, including everolimus, temsirolimus, and ridaforolimus) are FDA approved as mTOR inhibitors for the treatment of human diseases, including cancer and autoimmunity. Rapalog use is commonly associated with an increased susceptibility to infection, which has been traditionally explained by impaired adaptive immunity. Here, we show that exposure to rapalogs increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection in tissue culture and in immunologically naive rodents by antagonizing the cell-intrinsic immune response. We identified 1 rapalog (ridaforolimus) that was less potent in this regard and demonstrated that rapalogs promote spike-mediated entry into cells, by triggering the degradation of the antiviral proteins IFITM2 and IFITM3 via an endolysosomal remodeling program called microautophagy. Rapalogs that increased virus entry inhibited mTOR-mediated phosphorylation of the transcription factor TFEB, which facilitated its nuclear translocation and triggered microautophagy. In rodent models of infection, injection of rapamycin prior to and after virus exposure resulted in elevated SARS-CoV-2 replication and exacerbated viral disease, while ridaforolimus had milder effects. Overall, our findings indicate that preexisting use of certain rapalogs may elevate host susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease by activating lysosome-mediated suppression of intrinsic immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoli Shi
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Abhilash I. Chiramel
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Tiansheng Li
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kin Kui Lai
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Adam D. Kenney
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ashley Zani
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Adrian C. Eddy
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Saliha Majdoul
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Lizhi Zhang
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Tirhas Dempsey
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul A. Beare
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | | | | | - Sonja M. Best
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Jacob S. Yount
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Alex A. Compton
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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Alkhayyat SS, Al-kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, El-Bouseary MM, AboKamer AM, Batiha GES, Simal-Gandara J. Fenofibrate for COVID-19 and related complications as an approach to improve treatment outcomes: the missed key for Holy Grail. Inflamm Res 2022; 71:1159-1167. [PMID: 35941297 PMCID: PMC9360649 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-022-01615-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fenofibrate is an agonist of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), that possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-thrombotic properties. Fenofibrate is effective against a variety of viral infections and different inflammatory disorders. Therefore, the aim of critical review was to overview the potential role of fenofibrate in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 and related complications. RESULTS By destabilizing SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and preventing it from binding angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry, fenofibrate can reduce SARS-CoV-2 entry in human cells Fenofibrate also suppresses inflammatory signaling pathways, which decreases SARS-CoV-2 infection-related inflammatory alterations. In conclusion, fenofibrate anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antithrombotic capabilities may help to minimize the inflammatory and thrombotic consequences associated with SARSCoV-2 infection. Through attenuating the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2, fenofibrate can directly reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. CONCLUSIONS As a result, fenofibrate could be a potential treatment approach for COVID-19 control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Salem Alkhayyat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia
| | - Hayder M. Al-kuraishy
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I. Al-Gareeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Medicine, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Maisra M. El-Bouseary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Amal M. AboKamer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22511 Al Beheira Egypt
| | - Jesus Simal-Gandara
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty Science, Universidade de Vigo, 32004 Ourense, Spain
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Systematic Down-Selection of Repurposed Drug Candidates for COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911851. [PMID: 36233149 PMCID: PMC9569752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic which has claimed more than 6.5 million lives worldwide, devastating the economy and overwhelming healthcare systems globally. The development of new drug molecules and vaccines has played a critical role in managing the pandemic; however, new variants of concern still pose a significant threat as the current vaccines cannot prevent all infections. This situation calls for the collaboration of biomedical scientists and healthcare workers across the world. Repurposing approved drugs is an effective way of fast-tracking new treatments for recently emerged diseases. To this end, we have assembled and curated a database consisting of 7817 compounds from the Compounds Australia Open Drug collection. We developed a set of eight filters based on indicators of efficacy and safety that were applied sequentially to down-select drugs that showed promise for drug repurposing efforts against SARS-CoV-2. Considerable effort was made to evaluate approximately 14,000 assay data points for SARS-CoV-2 FDA/TGA-approved drugs and provide an average activity score for 3539 compounds. The filtering process identified 12 FDA-approved molecules with established safety profiles that have plausible mechanisms for treating COVID-19 disease. The methodology developed in our study provides a template for prioritising drug candidates that can be repurposed for the safe, efficacious, and cost-effective treatment of COVID-19, long COVID, or any other future disease. We present our database in an easy-to-use interactive interface (CoviRx that was also developed to enable the scientific community to access to the data of over 7000 potential drugs and to implement alternative prioritisation and down-selection strategies.
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Hejazian SS, Hejazian SM, Farnood F, Abedi Azar S. Dysregulation of immunity in COVID-19 and SLE. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:1517-1531. [PMID: 36028612 PMCID: PMC9417079 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-01047-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The immune response plays a crucial role in preventing diseases, such as infections. There are two types of immune responses, specific and innate immunity, each of which consists of two components: cellular immunity and humoral immunity. Dysfunction in any immune system component increases the risk of developing certain diseases. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease in the human body, develops an immune response against its own components. In these patients, due to underlying immune system disorders and receipt of immunosuppressive drugs, the susceptibility to infections is higher than in the general population and is the single largest cause of mortality in this group. COVID-19 infection, which first appeared in late 2019, has caused several concerns in patients with SLE. However, there is no strong proof of additional risk of developing COVID-19 in patients with SLE, and in some cases, studies have shown less severity of the disease in these individuals. This review paper discusses the immune disorders in SLE and COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyyed Sina Hejazian
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Farahnoosh Farnood
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sima Abedi Azar
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Targeted therapy in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Implication from cell and gene therapy to immunotherapy and vaccine. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 111:109161. [PMID: 35998506 PMCID: PMC9385778 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly pathogenic and transmissible virus. Infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 known as Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be severe, especially among high risk populations affected of underlying medical conditions. COVID-19 is characterized by the severe acute respiratory syndrome, a hyper inflammatory syndrome, vascular injury, microangiopathy and thrombosis. Antiviral drugs and immune modulating methods has been evaluated. So far, a particular therapeutic option has not been approved for COVID-19 and a variety of treatments have been studied for COVID-19 including, current treatment such as oxygen therapy, corticosteroids, antiviral agents until targeted therapy and vaccines which are diverse in each patient and have various outcomes. According to the findings of different in vitro and in vivo studies, some novel approach such as gene editing, cell based therapy, and immunotherapy may have significant potential in the treatment of COVID-19. Based on these findings, this paper aims to review the different strategies of treatment against COVID-19 and provide a summary from traditional and newer methods in curing COVID-19.
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Al-Kuraishy HM, Al-Gareeb AI, Gabriela Bungau S, Radu AF, El-Saber Batiha G. The potential molecular implications of adiponectin in the evolution of SARS-CoV-2: Inbuilt tendency. JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY - SCIENCE 2022; 34:102347. [PMID: 36211634 PMCID: PMC9524222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jksus.2022.102347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Adiponectin (APN) is an adipokine concerned in the regulation of glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity and fatty acid oxidation. APN plays a critical role in viral infections by regulating the immune response through its anti-inflammatory/pro-inflammatory axis. Reduction of APN may augment the severity of viral infections because APN inhibits immune cells’ response via suppression of inflammatory signaling pathways and stimulation of adenosine monophosphate protein kinase (AMPK). Moreover, APN inhibits the stimulation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and regulates the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL-18, IL-6). In COVID-19, abnormalities of the fatty tissue due to oxidative stress (OS) and hyperinflammation may inhibit the production and release of APN. APN has lung-protective effect and can prevent SARS-CoV-2-induced acute lung injury (ALI) through the amelioration of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, endothelial dysfunction (ED) and stimulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-α). It has been established that there is a potential correlation between inflammatory signal transduction pathways and APN that contributes to the development of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Deregulation of these molecular pathways affects the expression of APN and vice versa. In addition, the reduction of APN effect in SARS-CoV-2 infection could be a potential cause of the exacerbation of pro-inflammatory effects which are associated with the disease severity. In this context, exploratory, developmental, and extensive prospective studies are necessary.
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Shi G, Chiramel AI, Li T, Lai KK, Kenney AD, Zani A, Eddy A, Majdoul S, Zhang L, Dempsey T, Beare PA, Kar S, Yewdell JW, Best SM, Yount JS, Compton AA. Rapalogs downmodulate intrinsic immunity and promote cell entry of SARS-CoV-2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2021.04.15.440067. [PMID: 33880473 PMCID: PMC8057238 DOI: 10.1101/2021.04.15.440067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunocompromised individuals is associated with prolonged virus shedding and evolution of viral variants. Rapamycin and its analogs (rapalogs, including everolimus, temsirolimus, and ridaforolimus) are FDA-approved as mTOR inhibitors for the treatment of human diseases, including cancer and autoimmunity. Rapalog use is commonly associated with increased susceptibility to infection, which has been traditionally explained by impaired adaptive immunity. Here, we show that exposure to rapalogs increases susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection in tissue culture and in immunologically naive rodents by antagonizing the cell-intrinsic immune response. By identifying one rapalog (ridaforolimus) that is less potent in this regard, we demonstrate that rapalogs promote Spike-mediated entry into cells by triggering the degradation of antiviral proteins IFITM2 and IFITM3 via an endolysosomal remodeling program called microautophagy. Rapalogs that increase virus entry inhibit the mTOR-mediated phosphorylation of the transcription factor TFEB, which facilitates its nuclear translocation and triggers microautophagy. In rodent models of infection, injection of rapamycin prior to and after virus exposure resulted in elevated SARS-CoV-2 replication and exacerbated viral disease, while ridaforolimus had milder effects. Overall, our findings indicate that preexisting use of certain rapalogs may elevate host susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease by activating lysosome-mediated suppression of intrinsic immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoli Shi
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Abhilash I. Chiramel
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Tiansheng Li
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kin Kui Lai
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Adam D. Kenney
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ashley Zani
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Adrian Eddy
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Saliha Majdoul
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Lizhi Zhang
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tirhas Dempsey
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Paul A. Beare
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | | | - Jonathan W. Yewdell
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sonja M. Best
- Laboratory of Virology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Jacob S. Yount
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alex A. Compton
- HIV Dynamics and Replication Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
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12
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Slobodin B, Sehrawat U, Lev A, Hayat D, Zuckerman B, Fraticelli D, Ogran A, Ben-Shmuel A, Bar-David E, Levy H, Ulitsky I, Dikstein R. Cap-independent translation and a precisely located RNA sequence enable SARS-CoV-2 to control host translation and escape anti-viral response. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:8080-8092. [PMID: 35849342 PMCID: PMC9371909 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Translation of SARS-CoV-2-encoded mRNAs by the host ribosomes is essential for its propagation. Following infection, the early expressed viral protein NSP1 binds the ribosome, represses translation, and induces mRNA degradation, while the host elicits an anti-viral response. The mechanisms enabling viral mRNAs to escape this multifaceted repression remain obscure. Here we show that expression of NSP1 leads to destabilization of multi-exon cellular mRNAs, while intron-less transcripts, such as viral mRNAs and anti-viral interferon genes, remain relatively stable. We identified a conserved and precisely located cap-proximal RNA element devoid of guanosines that confers resistance to NSP1-mediated translation inhibition. Importantly, the primary sequence rather than the secondary structure is critical for protection. We further show that the genomic 5'UTR of SARS-CoV-2 drives cap-independent translation and promotes expression of NSP1 in an eIF4E-independent and Torin1-resistant manner. Upon expression, NSP1 further enhances cap-independent translation. However, the sub-genomic 5'UTRs are highly sensitive to eIF4E availability, rendering viral propagation partially sensitive to Torin1. We conclude that the combined NSP1-mediated degradation of spliced mRNAs and translation inhibition of single-exon genes, along with the unique features present in the viral 5'UTRs, ensure robust expression of viral mRNAs. These features can be exploited as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Slobodin
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Urmila Sehrawat
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.,Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anastasia Lev
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Daniel Hayat
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Binyamin Zuckerman
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.,Gladstone/UCSF Center for Cell Circuitry, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Davide Fraticelli
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Ariel Ogran
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Amir Ben-Shmuel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 7410001 Israel
| | - Elad Bar-David
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 7410001 Israel
| | - Haim Levy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona 7410001 Israel
| | - Igor Ulitsky
- Department of Biological Regulation, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Rivka Dikstein
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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13
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Pinchera B, Spirito L, Buonomo AR, Foggia M, Carrano R, Salemi F, Schettino E, Papa F, La Rocca R, Crocetto F, Napolitano L, Villari R, Gentile I. mTOR Inhibitor Use Is Associated With a Favorable Outcome of COVID-19 in Patients of Kidney Transplant: Results of a Retrospective Study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:852973. [PMID: 35801204 PMCID: PMC9254357 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.852973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction In solid organ transplant recipients, COVID-19 is associated with a poor prognosis because of immunosuppression. Some studies suggest a potential therapeutic role of mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors in SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aimed to assess the impact of mTOR employment on the evolution and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in solid organ transplant recipients. Methods We enrolled kidney transplant patients attending the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Federico II in Naples and followed up on these patients from March 2020 to June 2021. We evaluated the risk of acquiring the SARS-CoV-2 infection, the clinical presentation of the disease, and its outcome together with the type of immunosuppressive therapy. Finally, we assessed the impact of mTOR inhibitors on relevant clinical metrics of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results We enrolled 371 patients, of whom 56 (15.1%) contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection during the period of the study. There were no differences observed among the different immunosuppressive therapies concerning the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection. In contrast, the type of immunosuppressive therapy had a significant impact on the outcome of the disease. In detail, patients who received mTOR inhibitors, as part of their immunosuppressive therapy, compared to other regimens had a lower chance of developing a moderate or severe form of the disease (OR = 0.8, 95, CI: (0.21-0.92), P = 0.041). Conclusion In kidney transplant patients, the use of mTOR inhibitors as part of an immunosuppressive regimen is associated with a better prognosis in the case of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biagio Pinchera
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Spirito
- Section of Urology, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Riccardo Buonomo
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Foggia
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Carrano
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Salemi
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisa Schettino
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Fortuna Papa
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto La Rocca
- Section of Urology, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Felice Crocetto
- Section of Urology, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Napolitano
- Section of Urology, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Riccardo Villari
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ivan Gentile
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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14
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Khunsriraksakul C, McGuire D, Sauteraud R, Chen F, Yang L, Wang L, Hughey J, Eckert S, Dylan Weissenkampen J, Shenoy G, Marx O, Carrel L, Jiang B, Liu DJ. Integrating 3D genomic and epigenomic data to enhance target gene discovery and drug repurposing in transcriptome-wide association studies. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3258. [PMID: 35672318 PMCID: PMC9171100 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30956-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) are popular approaches to test for association between imputed gene expression levels and traits of interest. Here, we propose an integrative method PUMICE (Prediction Using Models Informed by Chromatin conformations and Epigenomics) to integrate 3D genomic and epigenomic data with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) to more accurately predict gene expressions. PUMICE helps define and prioritize regions that harbor cis-regulatory variants, which outperforms competing methods. We further describe an extension to our method PUMICE +, which jointly combines TWAS results from single- and multi-tissue models. Across 79 traits, PUMICE + identifies 22% more independent novel genes and increases median chi-square statistics values at known loci by 35% compared to the second-best method, as well as achieves the narrowest credible interval size. Lastly, we perform computational drug repurposing and confirm that PUMICE + outperforms other TWAS methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chachrit Khunsriraksakul
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate Program, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA ,grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Institute for Personalized Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Daniel McGuire
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Institute for Personalized Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA ,grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Renan Sauteraud
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Institute for Personalized Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA ,grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Fang Chen
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Institute for Personalized Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA ,grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Lina Yang
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Institute for Personalized Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA ,grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Lida Wang
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Institute for Personalized Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA ,grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Jordan Hughey
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate Program, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA ,grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Institute for Personalized Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Scott Eckert
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate Program, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA ,grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Institute for Personalized Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - J. Dylan Weissenkampen
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Institute for Personalized Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA ,grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Ganesh Shenoy
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Neurosurgery, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Olivia Marx
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Biomedical Science Program, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Laura Carrel
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Bibo Jiang
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
| | - Dajiang J. Liu
- grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Bioinformatics and Genomics Graduate Program, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA ,grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Institute for Personalized Medicine, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA ,grid.29857.310000 0001 2097 4281Department of Public Health Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033 USA
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15
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Pinchera B, Scotto R, Buonomo AR, Zappulo E, Stagnaro F, Gallicchio A, Viceconte G, Sardanelli A, Mercinelli S, Villari R, Foggia M, Gentile I. Diabetes and COVID-19: The potential role of mTOR. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2022; 186:109813. [PMID: 35248653 PMCID: PMC8891119 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2022.109813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes is the most frequent comorbidity among patients with COVID-19. COVID-19 patients with diabetes have a more severe prognosis than patients without diabetes. However, the etiopathogenetic mechanisms underlying this more unfavorable outcome in these patients are not clear. Probably the etiopathogenetic mechanisms underlying diabetes could represent a favorable substrate for a greater development of the inflammatory process already dysregulated in COVID-19 with a more severe evolution of the disease. In the attempt to shed light on the possible etiopathogenetic mechanisms, we wanted to evaluate the possible role of mTOR (mammalian Target Of Rapamycin) pathway in this context. We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases to identify articles involving diabetes and the mTOR pathway in COVID-19. The mTOR pathway could be involved in this etiopathogenetic mechanism, in particular, the activation and stimulation of this pathway could favor an inflammatory process that is already dysregulated in itself, while its inhibition could be a way to regulate this dysregulated inflammatory process. However, much remains to be clarified about the mechanisms of the mTOR pathway and its role in COVID-19. The aim of this review is to to understand the etiopathogenesis underlying COVID-19 in diabetic patients and the role of mTOR pathway in order to be able to search for new weapons to deal with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Pinchera
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
| | - R Scotto
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - A R Buonomo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - E Zappulo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - F Stagnaro
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - A Gallicchio
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - G Viceconte
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - A Sardanelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - S Mercinelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - R Villari
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - M Foggia
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - I Gentile
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Section of Infectious Diseases, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
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16
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Morgulchik N, Athanasopoulou F, Chu E, Lam Y, Kamaly N. Potential therapeutic approaches for targeted inhibition of inflammatory cytokines following COVID-19 infection-induced cytokine storm. Interface Focus 2022; 12:20210006. [PMID: 34956607 PMCID: PMC8662389 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2021.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a deadly respiratory disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, which has caused a global pandemic since early 2020 and severely threatened people's livelihoods and health. Patients with pre-diagnosed conditions admitted to hospital often develop complications leading to mortality due to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and associated multiorgan failure and blood clots. ARDS is associated with a cytokine storm. Cytokine storms arise due to elevated levels of circulating cytokines and are associated with infections. Targeting various pro-inflammatory cytokines in a specific manner can result in a potent therapeutic approach with minimal host collateral damage. Immunoregulatory therapies are now of interest in order to regulate the cytokine storm, and this review will summarize and discuss advances in targeted therapies against cytokine storms induced by COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelli Morgulchik
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Foteini Athanasopoulou
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Edmund Chu
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Yoriko Lam
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nazila Kamaly
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, UK
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17
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Fattahi S, Khalifehzadeh-Esfahani Z, Mohammad-Rezaei M, Mafi S, Jafarinia M. PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway: a potential target for anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapy. Immunol Res 2022; 70:269-275. [PMID: 35107743 PMCID: PMC8808470 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-022-09268-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A single-stranded RNA virus from a β-Coronaviridae family causes acute clinical manifestations. Its high death rate and severe clinical symptoms have turned it into the most significant challenge worldwide. Up until now, several effective COVID-19 vaccines have been designed and marketed, but our data on specialized therapeutic drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 is still limited. In order to synthesis virus particles, SARS-CoV-2 uses host metabolic pathways such as phosphoinositide3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB, also known as AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). mTOR is involved in multiple biological processes. Over-activation of the mTOR pathway improves viral replication, which makes it a possible target in COVID-19 therapy. Clinical data shows the hyperactivation of the mTOR pathway in lung tissues during respiratory viral infections. However, the exact impact of mTOR pathway inhibitors on the COVID-19 severity and death rate is yet to be thoroughly investigated. There are several mTOR pathway inhibitors. Rapamycin is the most famous inhibitor of mTORC1 among all. Studies on other respiratory viruses suggest that the therapeutic inhibitors of the mTOR pathway, especially rapamycin, can be a potential approach to anti-SARS-CoV-2 therapy. Using therapeutic methods that inhibit harmful immune responses can open a new chapter in treating severe COVID-19 disease. We highlighted the potential contribution of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors in the treatment of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Fattahi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | | | - Mina Mohammad-Rezaei
- Immunology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Mafi
- Medical Plants Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Morteza Jafarinia
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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18
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Qu N, Hui Z, Shen Z, Kan C, Hou N, Sun X, Han F. Thyroid Cancer and COVID-19: Prospects for Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:873027. [PMID: 35600591 PMCID: PMC9114699 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.873027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most prevalent endocrine malignancy and the reported incidence of thyroid cancer has continued to increase in recent years. Since 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been spreading worldwide in a global pandemic. COVID-19 aggravates primary illnesses and affects disease management; relevant changes include delayed diagnosis and treatment. The thyroid is an endocrine organ that is susceptible to autoimmune attack; thus, thyroid cancer after COVID-19 has gradually attracted attention. Whether COVID-19 affects the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer has also attracted the attention of many researchers. This review examines the literature regarding the influence of COVID-19 on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of thyroid cancer; it also focuses on drug therapies to promote research into strategies for improving therapy and management in thyroid cancer patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Qu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zongguang Hui
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Zhixin Shen
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Chengxia Kan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Ningning Hou
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- *Correspondence: Fang Han, ; Xiaodong Sun,
| | - Fang Han
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- *Correspondence: Fang Han, ; Xiaodong Sun,
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19
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Case Report of COVID-19 Infection After Kidney Transplant Treated With Casirivimab-Imdevimab and Mycophenolate Mofetil Changed to Everolimus. Transplant Proc 2021; 54:1561-1563. [PMID: 35065832 PMCID: PMC8718884 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2021.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Casirivimab-imdevimab is a cocktail of 2 monoclonal antibodies designed to prevent infection by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Casirivimab-imdevimab has been approved in Japan for treating mild to moderate COVID-19; however, to our knowledge, there are no reports of its use after kidney transplant from a live donor. Everolimus, an antineoplastic chemotherapy drug, is expected to be effective in inhibiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and preventing its replication, which may facilitate treatment. Here, we report a case of COVID-19 infection after kidney transplant that was initially treated with casirivimab-imdevimab and mycophenolate mofetil but was later changed to everolimus. CASE REPORT A 47-year-old man underwent living donor kidney transplant from his mother in 2017. Immunosuppression therapy was underway through the administration of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and methylprednisolone. In early September 2021, he was diagnosed as having COVID-19 and was hospitalized on day 3. On hospitalization, mycophenolate mofetil was discontinued and casirivimab-imdevimab and heparin were started. The patient started an everolimus regimen on day 5. The clinical course was successful without rejection. There was no exacerbation of COVID-19; the patient's serum creatinine levels and renal function had otherwise remained stable. CONCLUSIONS We could safely treat a patient with casirivimab-imdevimab after kidney transplant. It is suggested that casirivimab-imdevimab can prevent COVID-19 from becoming severe and can be administered without worsening renal function. In addition, everolimus may have inhibited the spread of the virus and prevented it from replicating.
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Yadav DK, Adhikari VP, Ling Q, Liang T. Immunosuppressants in Liver Transplant Recipients With Coronavirus Disease 2019: Capability or Catastrophe?-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:756922. [PMID: 34859012 PMCID: PMC8632009 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.756922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The probable impact of a maintenance immunosuppressant (IS) on liver transplant (LT) recipients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remains unexplored. Our specific aim was to approximate the prognosis of LT recipients with COVID-19 on the standard maintenance IS. Method: We searched separate databases for the qualified studies in between December 2019 and June 25, 2021. Ultimately, a meta-analysis was carried out using a fixed-effect or random-effect model based on the heterogeneity. Results: In a total of eight studies and 509 LT recipients with COVID-19, the pooled rates of severity and mortality during all the combined immunosuppressive therapies were 22.4 and 19.5%, respectively. Our study sufficiently showed that an immunosuppressive therapy in LT recipients with COVID-19 was significantly associated with a non-severe COVID-19 [odds ratio (OR): 11.49, 95% CI: 4.17–31.65; p < 0.001] and the survival of the patients (OR: 17.64, 95% CI: 12.85–24.22; p < 0.001). Moreover, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTORi) typically had the lowest rate of severity and mortality compared to other ISs such as calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), steroids, and antimetabolites, i.e., severity (13.5 vs. 21.1, 24.7, and 26.3%) and mortality (8.3 vs. 15, 17.2, and 12.1%), respectively. Contrary to the general opinions, our meta-analysis showed comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiopulmonary disorders, chronic kidney disease (CKD), age >60, the duration of LT to the diagnosis of COVID-19, primary disease for LT, and obesity were not significantly associated with the severity and mortality in LT recipients with COVID-19 under an immunosuppressive therapy. However, our pooled analysis found that LT recipients with COVID-19 and without comorbidities have a less severe disease and low mortality rate compared to those with both COVID-19 and comorbidities. Conclusions: In conclusion, LT recipients with COVID-19 undergoing immunosuppressive therapies are not significantly associated with the severity and mortality. Therefore, taking the risk of organ rejection into a key consideration, a complete withdrawal of the IS may not be wise. However, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) might be discontinued or replaced from an immunosuppressive regimen with the CNIs- or mTORis-based immunosuppressive therapy in some selected LT recipients with COVID-19, depending upon the severity of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipesh Kumar Yadav
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery & Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Vishnu Prasad Adhikari
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery & Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Ling
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery & Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tingbo Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery & Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Innovation Center for the Study of Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for the Study of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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21
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Lucchetta M, Pellegrini M. Drug repositioning by merging active subnetworks validated in cancer and COVID-19. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19839. [PMID: 34615934 PMCID: PMC8494853 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99399-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Computational drug repositioning aims at ranking and selecting existing drugs for novel diseases or novel use in old diseases. In silico drug screening has the potential for speeding up considerably the shortlisting of promising candidates in response to outbreaks of diseases such as COVID-19 for which no satisfactory cure has yet been found. We describe DrugMerge as a methodology for preclinical computational drug repositioning based on merging multiple drug rankings obtained with an ensemble of disease active subnetworks. DrugMerge uses differential transcriptomic data on drugs and diseases in the context of a large gene co-expression network. Experiments with four benchmark diseases demonstrate that our method detects in first position drugs in clinical use for the specified disease, in all four cases. Application of DrugMerge to COVID-19 found rankings with many drugs currently in clinical trials for COVID-19 in top positions, thus showing that DrugMerge can mimic human expert judgment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Lucchetta
- Institute of Informatics and Telematics (IIT), CNR, Pisa, 56124, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, 53100, Italy
| | - Marco Pellegrini
- Institute of Informatics and Telematics (IIT), CNR, Pisa, 56124, Italy.
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22
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Granata S, Carratù P, Stallone G, Zaza G. mTOR-Inhibition and COVID-19 in Kidney Transplant Recipients: Focus on Pulmonary Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:710543. [PMID: 34497515 PMCID: PMC8419255 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.710543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidney transplant recipients are at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 due to the coexistence of several transplant-related comorbidities (e.g., cardiovascular disease, diabetes) and chronic immunosuppression. As a consequence, a large part of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients have been managed with a reduction of immunosuppression. The mTOR-I, together with antimetabolites, have been often discontinued in order to minimize the risk of pulmonary toxicity and to antagonize pharmacological interaction with antiviral/anti-inflammatory drugs. However, at our opinion, this therapeutic strategy, although justified in kidney transplant recipients with severe COVID-19, should be carefully evaluated in asymptomatic/paucisymptomatic patients in order to avoid the onset of acute allograft rejections, to potentially exploit the mTOR-I antiviral properties, to reduce proliferation of conventional T lymphocytes (which could mitigate the cytokine storm) and to preserve Treg growth/activity which could reduce the risk of progression to severe disease. In this review, we discuss the current literature regarding the therapeutic potential of mTOR-Is in kidney transplant recipients with COVID-19 with a focus on pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Granata
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, University-Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Carratù
- Division of Internal Medicine, Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, "Aldo Moro" University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Stallone
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Zaza
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, University-Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
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23
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Identification of COVID-19 prognostic markers and therapeutic targets through meta-analysis and validation of Omics data from nasopharyngeal samples. EBioMedicine 2021; 70:103525. [PMID: 34392148 PMCID: PMC8358265 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2021.103525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While our battle with the COVID-19 pandemic continues, a multitude of Omics data have been generated from patient samples in various studies. Translation of these data into clinical interventions against COVID-19 remains to be accomplished. Exploring host response to COVID-19 in the upper respiratory tract can unveil prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis of published transcriptome and proteome profiles of respiratory samples of COVID-19 patients to shortlist high confidence upregulated host factors. Subsequently, mRNA overexpression of selected genes was validated in nasal swabs from a cohort of COVID-19 positive/negative, symptomatic/asymptomatic individuals. Guided by this analysis, we sought to check for potential drug targets. An FDA-approved drug, Auranofin, was tested against SARS-CoV-2 replication in cell culture and Syrian hamster challenge model. Findings The meta-analysis and validation in the COVID-19 cohort revealed S100 family genes (S100A6, S100A8, S100A9, and S100P) as prognostic markers of severe COVID-19. Furthermore, Thioredoxin (TXN) was found to be consistently upregulated. Auranofin, which targets Thioredoxin reductase, was found to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro. Furthermore, oral administration of Auranofin in Syrian hamsters in therapeutic as well as prophylactic regimen reduced viral replication, IL-6 production, and inflammation in the lungs. Interpretation Elevated mRNA level of S100s in the nasal swabs indicate severe COVID-19 disease, and FDA-approved drug Auranofin mitigated SARS-CoV-2 replication in preclinical hamster model. Funding This study was supported by the DBT-IISc partnership program (DBT (IED/4/2020-MED/DBT)), the Infosys Young Investigator award (YI/2019/1106), DBT-BIRAC grant (BT/CS0007/CS/02/20) and the DBT-Wellcome Trust India Alliance Intermediate Fellowship (IA/I/18/1/503613) to ST lab.
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24
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Carneiro AS, Mafort TT, Lopes AJ. A 34-Year-Old Woman from Brazil with Pulmonary Lymphangioleiomyomatosis Diagnosed by Raised Serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-D (VEGF-D) Levels and Lung Cysts on Computed Tomography Imaging Presenting with COVID-19 Pneumonia. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2021; 22:e932660. [PMID: 34330886 PMCID: PMC8340921 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.932660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Patient: Female, 34-year-old Final Diagnosis: COVID-19 • lymphangioleiomyomatosis Symptoms: Dyspnea • fever • hypoxemia • myalgia Medication: Sirolimus Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Pulmonology
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Affiliation(s)
- Alícia Sales Carneiro
- Department of Pneumology, Pedro Ernesto University Hospital, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thiago Thomaz Mafort
- Department of Pneumology, Pedro Ernesto University Hospital, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Medical Sciences Postgraduate Program, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Agnaldo José Lopes
- Department of Pneumology, Pedro Ernesto University Hospital, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Medical Sciences Postgraduate Program, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Rehabilitation Sciences Postgraduate Program, Augusto Motta University Centre (UNISUAM), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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25
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Mashayekhi-Sardoo H, Hosseinjani H. A new application of mTOR inhibitor drugs as potential therapeutic agents for COVID-19. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2021; 33:17-25. [PMID: 34218545 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2020-0495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Since December 2019, the COVID-19 emerging pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in one of the most important global health threats. Concerning the absence of an approved effective vaccine or drug for the treatment and outcome improvement of COVID-19 patients, and the role of SARS-CoV-2 in activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, we decided to review the previous data regarding the therapeutic effect of mTOR inhibitor drugs in COVID-19 patients. We searched the scientific databases such as Web of Science, Embase, Medline (PubMed), Scopus, and Google Scholar using appropriate keywords to find suitable studies or suggestions until October 2020. The findings of the current study confirmed that mTOR inhibitor drugs through suggested mechanisms such as T cell adjustment, induction of autophagy without apoptosis, reduction of viral replication, restoration of the T-cell function, decrease cytokine storm, and moderation of the mTOR-PI3K-AKT pathway activation bring about a therapeutic impact in COVID-19 patients. Taken together, it is necessary to find a suitable therapy for the COVID-19 pandemic emerging. In this regard, we clarify that it is valuable to consider the therapeutic effect of mTOR inhibitor drugs and metformin by its mTOR inhibition property in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habibeh Mashayekhi-Sardoo
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hesamoddin Hosseinjani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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26
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Lee S, Lee YS, Choi Y, Son A, Park Y, Lee KM, Kim J, Kim JS, Kim VN. The SARS-CoV-2 RNA interactome. Mol Cell 2021; 81:2838-2850.e6. [PMID: 33989516 PMCID: PMC8075806 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus whose success as a pathogen relies on its abilities to repurpose host RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and to evade antiviral RBPs. To uncover the SARS-CoV-2 RNA interactome, we here develop a robust ribonucleoprotein (RNP) capture protocol and identify 109 host factors that directly bind to SARS-CoV-2 RNAs. Applying RNP capture on another coronavirus, HCoV-OC43, revealed evolutionarily conserved interactions between coronaviral RNAs and host proteins. Transcriptome analyses and knockdown experiments delineated 17 antiviral RBPs, including ZC3HAV1, TRIM25, PARP12, and SHFL, and 8 proviral RBPs, such as EIF3D and CSDE1, which are responsible for co-opting multiple steps of the mRNA life cycle. This also led to the identification of LARP1, a downstream target of the mTOR signaling pathway, as an antiviral host factor that interacts with the SARS-CoV-2 RNAs. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive list of RBPs regulating coronaviral replication and opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungyul Lee
- Center for RNA Research, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea; School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Suk Lee
- Center for RNA Research, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea; School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Choi
- Center for RNA Research, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea; School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ahyeon Son
- Center for RNA Research, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea; School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngran Park
- Center for RNA Research, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea; School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Min Lee
- International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeesoo Kim
- Center for RNA Research, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea; School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Seo Kim
- Center for RNA Research, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea; School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - V Narry Kim
- Center for RNA Research, Institute for Basic Science, Seoul, Republic of Korea; School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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27
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Swain O, Romano SK, Miryala R, Tsai J, Parikh V, Umanah GKE. SARS-CoV-2 Neuronal Invasion and Complications: Potential Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches. J Neurosci 2021; 41:5338-5349. [PMID: 34162747 PMCID: PMC8221594 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3188-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical reports suggest that the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus-2 (CoV-2) has not only taken millions of lives, but has also created a major crisis of neurologic complications that persist even after recovery from the disease. Autopsies of patients confirm the presence of the coronaviruses in the CNS, especially in the brain. The invasion and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in the CNS is not clearly defined, but, because the endocytic pathway has become an important target for the development of therapeutic strategies for COVID-19, it is necessary to understand endocytic processes in the CNS. In addition, mitochondria and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways play a critical role in the antiviral immune response, and may also be critical for endocytic activity. Furthermore, dysfunctions of mitochondria and mTOR signaling pathways have been associated with some high-risk conditions such as diabetes and immunodeficiency for developing severe complications observed in COVID-19 patients. However, the role of these pathways in SARS-CoV-2 infection and spread are largely unknown. In this review, we discuss the potential mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 entry into the CNS and how mitochondria and mTOR pathways might regulate endocytic vesicle-mitochondria interactions and dynamics during SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mechanisms that plausibly account for severe neurologic complications with COVID-19 and potential treatments with Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs targeting mitochondria and the mTOR pathways are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Swain
- Neuroscience Department, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Sofia K Romano
- Neuroscience Department, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Ritika Miryala
- Neuroscience Department, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Jocelyn Tsai
- Neuroscience Department, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - Vinnie Parikh
- Neuroscience Department, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
| | - George K E Umanah
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
- Department of Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
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Is there any role of intermittent fasting in the prevention and improving clinical outcomes of COVID-19?: intersection between inflammation, mTOR pathway, autophagy and calorie restriction. Virusdisease 2021; 32:625-634. [PMID: 34104708 PMCID: PMC8177033 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-021-00703-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is provoking a global public health crisis. Even though the academic world is intensively pursuing new therapies, there is still no “game changer” in the management of COVID 19. The Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) is an ancient signaling system that has been proposed as a molecular tool used by coronaviruses and other RNA and DNA viruses in order to replicate and persist in the host cell. In recent years, Intermittent Fasting (IF), a practice consisting on a strict calorie restriction during a prolonged period of time during the day, has gained popularity due to its potential benefits in multiple health systems and in regulating inflammation. IF inhibits the mTOR pathway which is similar to the effects of Rapamycin in some animal models. mTOR inhibition and promotion of autophagy could potentially be the link between the possible direct benefits of IF in COVID-19 due to the interruption of the viral cycle (protein synthesis). Besides, IF has shown to be a strong anti-inflammatory in multiple prior studies, and may play a role in attenuating COVID -19 severity. This review hypothesizes the possible intersection between viral, immunological, and metabolic pathways related to mTOR and the potential mechanisms through which IF may improve clinical outcomes. Future prospective randomized controlled clinical trials to evaluate intermittent fasting (IF) regimens in order to prevent and treat moderate to severe forms of COVID-19 in humans are needed.
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Fernandez-Ruiz R, Paredes JL, Niewold TB. COVID-19 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: lessons learned from the inflammatory disease. Transl Res 2021; 232:13-36. [PMID: 33352298 PMCID: PMC7749645 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As the world navigates the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, there is a growing need to assess its impact in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients with SLE are a unique population when considering the risk of contracting COVID-19 and infection outcomes. The use of systemic glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, and underlying organ damage from SLE are potential susceptibility factors. Most patients with SLE have evidence of high type I interferon activity, which may theoretically act as an antiviral line of defense or contribute to the development of a deleterious hyperinflammatory response in COVID-19. Other immunopathogenic mechanisms of SLE may overlap with those described in COVID-19, thus, studies in SLE could provide some insight into immune responses occurring in severe cases of the viral infection. We reviewed the literature to date on COVID-19 in patients with SLE and provide an in-depth review of current research in the area, including immune pathway activation, epidemiology, clinical features, outcomes, and the psychosocial impact of the pandemic in those with autoimmune disease.
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Key Words
- act-1, adaptor protein nf-κ activator
- ace2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
- aza, azathioprine
- c5ar1, c5a receptor
- covid-19, coronavirus disease 2019
- c-19-gra, covid-19 global rheumatology alliance
- cyc, cyclophosphamide
- ebv, epstein-barr virus
- hcq, hydroxychloroquine
- icu, intensive care unit
- ifn, interferon
- irf, interferon regulatory factor
- isg, interferon-stimulated gene
- ifnar, interferon-α/β receptor
- il, interleukin
- jak, janus kinase
- lof, loss-of-function
- masp-2, manna-binding lectin associated serine protease-2
- mtor, mechanistic (mammalian) target of rapamycin
- mmf, mycophenolate mofetil
- myd88, myeloid differentiation primary response 88
- nac, n-acetylcisteine
- net, neutrophil extracellular trap
- nyc, new york city
- pdc, plasmacytoid dendritic cell
- pi3k, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase
- treg, regulatory t cell
- rt-pcr, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
- ps6, ribosomal protein 6
- sars-cov-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
- stat, signal transducer and activator of transcription
- sdh, social determinants of health
- sgc, systemic glucocorticoids
- sle, systemic lupus erythematosus
- th17, t helper 17
- tbk1, tank-binding kinase 1
- tlr, toll-like receptor
- tnf, tumor necrosis factor
- traf, tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor
- trif, tirdomain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Fernandez-Ruiz
- Division of Rheumatology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York; Colton Center for Autoimmunity, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York.
| | - Jacqueline L Paredes
- Colton Center for Autoimmunity, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Timothy B Niewold
- Colton Center for Autoimmunity, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
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30
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Maity S, Saha A. Therapeutic Potential of Exploiting Autophagy Cascade Against Coronavirus Infection. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:675419. [PMID: 34054782 PMCID: PMC8160449 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.675419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its emergence in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) created a worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with nearly 136 million cases and approximately 3 million deaths. Recent studies indicate that like other coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2 also hijacks or usurps various host cell machineries including autophagy for its replication and disease pathogenesis. Double membrane vesicles generated during initiation of autophagy cascade act as a scaffold for the assembly of viral replication complexes and facilitate RNA synthesis. The use of autophagy inhibitors - chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine initially appeared to be as a potential treatment strategy of COVID-19 patients but later remained at the center of debate due to high cytotoxic effects. In the absence of a specific drug or vaccine, there is an urgent need for a safe, potent as well as affordable drug to control the disease spread. Given the intricate connection between autophagy machinery and viral pathogenesis, the question arises whether targeting autophagy pathway might show a path to fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this review we will discuss about our current knowledge linking autophagy to coronaviruses and how that is being utilized to repurpose autophagy modulators as potential COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abhik Saha
- School of Biotechnology, Presidency University, Kolkata, India
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Philips AM, Khan N. Amino acid sensing pathway: A major check point in the pathogenesis of obesity and COVID-19. Obes Rev 2021; 22:e13221. [PMID: 33569904 PMCID: PMC7995014 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and obesogenic comorbidities have been associated with COVID-19 susceptibility and mortality. However, the mechanism of such correlations requires an in-depth understanding. Overnutrition/excess serum amino acid profile during obesity has been linked with inflammation and reprogramming of translational machinery through hyperactivation of amino acid sensor mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), which is exploited by SARS-CoV-2 for its replication. Conversely, we have shown that the activation of general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2)-dependent amino acid starvation sensing pathway suppresses intestinal inflammation by inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). While activation of GCN2 has shown to mitigate susceptibility to dengue infection, GCN2 deficiency increases viremia and inflammation-associated pathologies. These findings reveal that the amino acid sensing pathway plays a significant role in controlling inflammation and viral infections. The current fact is that obesity/excess amino acids/mTOR activation aggravates COVID-19, and it might be possible that activation of amino acid starvation sensor GCN2 has an opposite effect. This article focuses on the amino acid sensing pathways through which host cells sense the availability of amino acids and reprogram the host translation machinery to mount an effective antiviral response. Besides, how SARS-CoV-2 hijack and exploit amino acid sensing pathway for its replication and pathogenesis is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aradhana Mariam Philips
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Nooruddin Khan
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
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32
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Epilepsy and COVID-19: Updated evidence and narrative review. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 116:107785. [PMID: 33515934 PMCID: PMC7805398 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak started in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 and rapidly spread globally. Vaccines have recently been developed and are being administered in some countries, but their widespread use is not yet sufficient; the battle against COVID-19 is protracted and people need to adapt to living under the influence of this disease. Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological condition characterized by spontaneous recurrence of unprovoked seizures. Various effects of COVID-19 on epilepsy have been studied in recent months. As clinicians, we need to keep up with daily updates in the evidence regarding interactions between COVID-19 and epilepsy. This review article summarizes the current evidence. Prospective studies on epilepsy and COVID-19 remain lacking. Most articles have comprised case reports, case series, retrospective studies, and recommendations/opinions that do not include data. However, summarizing these articles can identify the demands for research into COVID-19 and epilepsy by clarifying what is known and what remains unclear from current research.
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33
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Khan N. mTOR: A possible therapeutic target against SARS-CoV-2 infection. ARCHIVES OF STEM CELL AND THERAPY 2021; 2:5-7. [PMID: 34179893 PMCID: PMC8225252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nabab Khan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203, USA
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34
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Khan N, Chen X, Geiger JD. Possible Therapeutic Use of Natural Compounds Against COVID-19. JOURNAL OF CELLULAR SIGNALING 2021; 2:63-79. [PMID: 33768214 PMCID: PMC7990267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19); a pandemic disease that has resulted in devastating social, economic, morbidity and mortality burdens. SARS-CoV-2 infects cells following receptor-mediated endocytosis and priming by cellular proteases. Following uptake, SARS-CoV-2 replicates in autophagosome-like structures in the cytosol following its escape from endolysosomes. Accordingly, the greater endolysosome pathway including autophagosomes and the mTOR sensor may be targets for therapeutic interventions against SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 pathogenesis. Naturally existing compounds (phytochemicals) through their actions on endolysosomes and mTOR signaling pathways might provide therapeutic relief against COVID-19. Here, we discuss evidence that some natural compounds through actions on the greater endolysosome system can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and thereby might be repurposed for use against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabab Khan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203, USA
| | - Xuesong Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203, USA
| | - Jonathan D. Geiger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203, USA
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35
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Sanino G, Bosco M, Terrazzano G. Physiology of Midkine and Its Potential Pathophysiological Role in COVID-19. Front Physiol 2020; 11:616552. [PMID: 33414726 PMCID: PMC7783444 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.616552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV2 infection not only causes abnormal severe pneumonia but also induces other relevant pathophysiological effects on several tissues and organs. In this regard, the clinical complications observed in COVID-19 include acute coronary syndrome, pulmonary thromboembolism, myocarditis and, in the severe cases, the occurrence of disseminated intravascular coagulation. Literature on COVID-19 highlighted the central role of the Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System in the determinism of SARS-CoV2 cellular internalization in the target tissues. Lung degeneration and respiratory distress appear to be dependent on the perturbance of physiological mechanisms, such as the uncontrolled release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, a dysregulation of the fibrinolytic coagulative cascade and the hyperactivation of immune effector cells. In this mini review, we address the physiology of Midkine, a growth factor able to bind heparin, and its pathophysiological potential role in COVID-19 determinism. Midkine increases in many inflammatory and autoimmune conditions and correlates with several dysfunctional immune-inflammatory responses that appear to show similarities with the pathophysiological elicited by SARS-CoV2. Midkine, together with its receptor, could facilitate the virus entry, fostering its accumulation and increasing its affinity with Ace2 receptor. We also focus on Netosis, a particular mechanism of pathogen clearance exerted by neutrophils, which under certain pathological condition becomes dysfunctional and can cause tissue damage. Moreover, we highlight the mechanism of autophagy that the new coronavirus could try to escape in order to replicate itself, as well as on pulmonary fibrosis induced by hypoxia and on the release of cytokines and mediators of inflammation, correlating the interplay between Midkine and SARS-CoV2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Sanino
- Farmacia Municipale 2, Azienda Sanitaria Locale (ASL) CN1, Fossano, Italy
| | - Martino Bosco
- Anatomia Patologica, Hospital “Michele e Pietro Ferrero”, Verduno, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Terrazzano
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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36
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Karam BS, Morris RS, Bramante CT, Puskarich M, Zolfaghari EJ, Lotfi-Emran S, Ingraham NE, Charles A, Odde DJ, Tignanelli CJ. mTOR inhibition in COVID-19: A commentary and review of efficacy in RNA viruses. J Med Virol 2020; 93:1843-1846. [PMID: 33314219 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this commentary, we shed light on the role of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in viral infections. The mTOR pathway has been demonstrated to be modulated in numerous RNA viruses. Frequently, inhibiting mTOR results in suppression of virus growth and replication. Recent evidence points towards modulation of mTOR in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We discuss the current literature on mTOR in SARS-CoV-2 and highlight evidence in support of a role for mTOR inhibitors in the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basil S Karam
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Rachel S Morris
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Carolyn T Bramante
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michael Puskarich
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Sahar Lotfi-Emran
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Nicholas E Ingraham
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Anthony Charles
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,School of Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - David J Odde
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minnesota, USA
| | - Christopher J Tignanelli
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.,Institute for Health Informatics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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37
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Golubev AG. COVID-19: A Challenge to Physiology of Aging. Front Physiol 2020; 11:584248. [PMID: 33343386 PMCID: PMC7745705 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.584248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The death toll of the current COVID-19 pandemic is strongly biased toward the elderly. COVID-19 case fatality rate (CFR) increases with age exponentially, its doubling time being about 7 years, irrespective of countries and epidemic stages. The same age-dependent mortality pattern known as the Gompertz law is featured by the total mortality and its main constituents attributed to cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, and oncological diseases. Among patients dying of COVID-19, most have at least one of these conditions, whereas none is found in most of those who pass it successfully. Thus, gerontology is indispensable in dealing with the pandemic, which becomes a benchmark for validating the gerontological concepts and advances. The two basic alternative gerontological concepts imply that either aging results from the accumulation of stochastic damage, or is programmed. Based on these different grounds, several putative anti-aging drugs have been proposed as adjuvant means for COVID-19 prevention and/or treatment. These proposals are reviewed in the context of attributing the molecular targets of these drugs to the signaling pathways between the sensors of resource availability and the molecular mechanisms that allocate resources to storage, growth and reproduction or to self-maintenance and repair. Each of the drugs appears to reproduce only a part of the physiological responses to reduced resource availability caused by either dietary calories restriction or physical activity promotion, which are the most robust means of mitigating the adverse manifestations of aging. In the pathophysiological terms, the conditions of the endothelium, which worsen as age increases and may be significantly improved by the physical activity, is a common limiting factor for the abilities to withstand both physical stresses and challenges imposed by COVID-19. However, the current anti-epidemic measures promote sedentary indoor lifestyles, at odds with the most efficient behavioral interventions known to decrease the vulnerability to both the severe forms of COVID-19 and the prevalent aging-associated diseases. To achieve a proper balance in public health approaches to COVID-19, gerontologists should be involved in crosstalk between virologists, therapists, epidemiologists, and policy makers. The present publication suggests a conceptual background for that.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksei G. Golubev
- N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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38
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Krug S, Garbe J, König S, Ungewiss H, Michl P, Rinke A, Schrader J. Professional Assessment of the Impact of COVID-19 on Handling NET Patients. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113633. [PMID: 33187393 PMCID: PMC7696769 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment and monitoring of patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NET) has been a major challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a survey, we investigated the influence of COVID-19 on the care of NET patients in the German speaking countries Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The multidisciplinarity of all treating physicians in the outpatient and inpatient sector was reflected in our survey. Furthermore, we were able to present findings pertaining to the university and non-university medical care. Overall, only a minority of appointments were cancelled, mostly as a result of medical prioritization and less for fear of infection by patients. In the university sector, longer delays for diagnostic measures were observed in comparison to non-university care. During the COVID-19 crisis, NET patients rarely changed their current therapy, but the pandemic impacted the assessment of the different treatment modalities at risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease. This survey provides the first real-world data on the treatment of NET patients from the physicians’ perspective during the COVID-19 crisis. Despite delays in diagnostic procedures and outpatient appointments, only a minority of physicians foresee a major impact of COVID-19 on NET patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Krug
- Department for Internal Medicine I, Martin-Luther University Halle/Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Straße 40, D 06120 Halle, Germany; (J.G.); (S.K.); (P.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-345-557-2661; Fax: +49-345-557-2553
| | - Jakob Garbe
- Department for Internal Medicine I, Martin-Luther University Halle/Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Straße 40, D 06120 Halle, Germany; (J.G.); (S.K.); (P.M.)
| | - Senta König
- Department for Internal Medicine I, Martin-Luther University Halle/Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Straße 40, D 06120 Halle, Germany; (J.G.); (S.K.); (P.M.)
| | - Hanna Ungewiss
- IPSEN Pharma GmbH, Einsteinstraße 174, D 81677 Munich, Germany;
| | - Patrick Michl
- Department for Internal Medicine I, Martin-Luther University Halle/Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Straße 40, D 06120 Halle, Germany; (J.G.); (S.K.); (P.M.)
| | - Anja Rinke
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, University Hospital Marburg, Baldinger Strasse, D 35043 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Jörg Schrader
- I. Medical Department-Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
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39
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Spihlman AP, Gadi N, Wu SC, Moulton VR. COVID-19 and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Focus on Immune Response and Therapeutics. Front Immunol 2020; 11:589474. [PMID: 33193418 PMCID: PMC7661632 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.589474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 novel coronavirus has caused the COVID-19 pandemic with over 35 million cases and over a million deaths worldwide as of early October 2020. The populations most affected are the elderly and especially those with underlying comorbidities. In terms of race and ethnicity, black and hispanic populations are affected at disproportionately higher rates. Individuals with underlying conditions that cause an immune-compromised state are considered vulnerable to this infection. The immune response is an important determinant in viral infections including coronaviruses, not only in the antiviral defense but also in the disease progression, severity, and clinical outcomes of COVID-19. Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease which also disproportionately afflicts black and hispanic populations. In lupus patients, an aberrant immune response is characterized by the presence of circulating autoantibodies, lymphopenia, aberrant T cells, and proinflammatory cytokines along with defective regulatory mechanisms, leading to immune-mediated damage to tissues. Lupus patients are often treated with immune-suppressants and therefore are immune-compromised and more susceptible to infections and may be vulnerable to coronavirus infection. While the anti-viral immune response is important to protect from coronavirus infection, an uncontrolled proinflammatory cytokine response can lead to cytokine storm which causes damage to the lungs and other organs, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Better understanding of the underlying immune response and therapeutic strategies in lupus and COVID-19 is important to guide management of this deadly infectious disease in the context of lupus and vice-versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison P Spihlman
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Nirupa Gadi
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Samantha C Wu
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Vaishali R Moulton
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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40
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Caraffa R, Bagozzi L, Fiocco A, Bifulco O, Nadali M, Ponzoni M, Carrozzini M, Toscano G, Fraiese AP, Metra M, Lombardi CM, Serafini F, Ribola A, Jorgji V, Bottio T, Gerosa G. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the heart transplant population: a single-centre experience. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2020; 58:899-906. [PMID: 33084868 PMCID: PMC7665480 DOI: 10.1093/ejcts/ezaa323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES ![]()
Few anecdotal cases have been reported in the literature regarding heart transplant recipients and infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We report our experience with 6 patients hospitalized in Northern Italy during the outbreak. METHODS Of the 396 living heart transplant recipients from 1985 to 2020 included in the study, 6 patients developed the novel 2019 coronavirus disease. Risk factors, last follow-up characteristics, onset presentation, in-hospital course of disease and blood examinations data were collected for these patients. RESULTS All patients were symptomatic and had positive results from a nasopharyngeal swab test for SARS-CoV-2. Of the 6 patients, 5 were hospitalized and 1 remained self-quarantined at home. Two patients died and 3 were discharged home. Two patients were admittted to the intensive care unit . Immunosuppressive therapy was modified with a median reduction comprising doses that were 50% cyclosporine and 50% mycophenolate. All patients received a medium-dose of corticosteroids as a bolus medication in addition to their therapy. All hospitalized patients received hydroxychloroquine; 2 patients received ritonavir/lopinavir. Broad-spectrum antibiotics for prophylaxis were administered to all. One patient had an ischaemic stroke and died of sepsis. CONCLUSIONS In the absence of any strong evidence regarding the treatment of heart transplant recipients infected with SARS-CoV-2, we faced a new challenge in managing viral infection in an immunosuppressed population. Because immunomodulation interaction with the infection seems to be crucial for developing severe forms of the disease, we managed to reduce immunosuppressive therapy by adding medium doses of corticosteroids. Despite the limited number of affected patients, this report suggests that special considerations should be given to treating coronavirus disease in the heart transplant recipient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Caraffa
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bagozzi
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fiocco
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Olimpia Bifulco
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Nadali
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Ponzoni
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Carrozzini
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Toscano
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Angela Pompea Fraiese
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Metra
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health University, Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Carlo Maria Lombardi
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health University, Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Angela Ribola
- Department of Anesthesia, Ospedale di Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | - Vjola Jorgji
- Hacohen Lab, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tomaso Bottio
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gino Gerosa
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Abstract
There is an urgent need to develop drugs and vaccines to counteract the effects of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and adequately treat the corona virus disease (COVID-19). As these drugs are still under investigation, research also focuses on existing medication with proven effectiveness in other coronaviral diseases. The advantages of existing therapeutic drugs that are currently approved (for other indications) are the known safety profile, general availability and relatively lower costs involved in extending the purpose to a new disease. Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) are drugs that have shown effectiveness in several coronaviral diseases, and are well-known and widely used drugs in transplant medicine. The aim of this narrative review is to present the current evidence of CNI in coronaviral diseases, the biophysiology of CNI and to suggest possible ways to study CNI as a new treatment option for COVID-19. We searched original papers, observational studies, case reports, and meta-analyses published between 2000 and 2020 in English in the PubMed database and Google Scholar using the keywords: (coronavirus), (treatment), (MERS), (SARS), (COVID-19), (tacrolimus), (ciclosporin), (cyclosporin) AND (calcineurin inhibitor). We excluded studies in patients with clear indications for immunosuppressive therapy. Additionally, we searched in the preprint servers and the World Health Organization bulletin. Ten studies were identified and included. Calcineurin inhibitor therapy has been suggested to be effective for coronaviral diseases in different settings. The results are summarized in a table. CNI should be investigated as a first treatment option based on evidence of direct antiviral effects and its properties preventing severe systemic hyperinflammation, as has been observed in COVID-19 with predominantly pulmonary immunopathological changes.
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42
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Baldi BG, Amaral AF, de Figueiredo Braga Colares P, Kairalla RA, de Oliveira MR, Carvalho CRR. COVID-19 and lymphangioleiomyomatosis: Experience at a reference center and the potential impact of the use of mTOR inhibitors. Am J Med Genet A 2020; 182:3068-3070. [PMID: 32946196 PMCID: PMC7646654 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Guedes Baldi
- Divisão de Pneumologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Franco Amaral
- Divisão de Pneumologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Phillipe de Figueiredo Braga Colares
- Divisão de Pneumologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ronaldo Adib Kairalla
- Divisão de Pneumologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Martina Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Divisão de Pneumologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carlos Roberto Ribeiro Carvalho
- Divisão de Pneumologia, Instituto do Coração (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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