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Nodarse-Cuni H, Bravo O, Cañete R, Vázquez-Blomquist D, Quintana D, Aguilera-Barreto A, Guillen-Nieto G, Arteaga A, Morales I. Pharmacodynamic of Recombinant Human Interferon Alpha-2b Nasal Drops and Effective Prophylaxis Against SARS-COV-2 Infection. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2024. [PMID: 38597374 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2023.0193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Nodarse-Cuni
- Clinical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Odalys Bravo
- National Science and Innovation Directorate, Ministry of Public Health, Havana, Cuba
| | - Roberto Cañete
- Research Department, Medical College of Matanzas, Matanzas, Cuba
| | - Dania Vázquez-Blomquist
- Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Diogenes Quintana
- Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Ana Aguilera-Barreto
- Technological Development Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana, Cuba
| | - Gerardo Guillen-Nieto
- Biomedical Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, La Habana, Cuba
| | - Amaylid Arteaga
- Research Department, National Coordinating Center for Clinical Trials, Havana, Cuba
| | - Ileana Morales
- National Science and Innovation Directorate, Ministry of Public Health, Havana, Cuba
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2
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Potamias G, Gkoublia P, Kanterakis A. The two-stage molecular scenery of SARS-CoV-2 infection with implications to disease severity: An in-silico quest. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1251067. [PMID: 38077337 PMCID: PMC10699200 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1251067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The two-stage molecular profile of the progression of SARS-CoV-2 (SCOV2) infection is explored in terms of five key biological/clinical questions: (a) does SCOV2 exhibits a two-stage infection profile? (b) SARS-CoV-1 (SCOV1) vs. SCOV2: do they differ? (c) does and how SCOV2 differs from Influenza/INFL infection? (d) does low viral-load and (e) does COVID-19 early host response relate to the two-stage SCOV2 infection profile? We provide positive answers to the above questions by analyzing the time-series gene-expression profiles of preserved cell-lines infected with SCOV1/2 or, the gene-expression profiles of infected individuals with different viral-loads levels and different host-response phenotypes. Methods Our analytical methodology follows an in-silico quest organized around an elaborate multi-step analysis pipeline including: (a) utilization of fifteen gene-expression datasets from NCBI's gene expression omnibus/GEO repository; (b) thorough designation of SCOV1/2 and INFL progression stages and COVID-19 phenotypes; (c) identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched biological processes and pathways that contrast and differentiate between different infection stages and phenotypes; (d) employment of a graph-based clustering process for the induction of coherent groups of networked genes as the representative core molecular fingerprints that characterize the different SCOV2 progression stages and the different COVID-19 phenotypes. In addition, relying on a sensibly selected set of induced fingerprint genes and following a Machine Learning approach, we devised and assessed the performance of different classifier models for the differentiation of acute respiratory illness/ARI caused by SCOV2 or other infections (diagnostic classifiers), as well as for the prediction of COVID-19 disease severity (prognostic classifiers), with quite encouraging results. Results The central finding of our experiments demonstrates the down-regulation of type-I interferon genes (IFN-1), interferon induced genes (ISGs) and fundamental innate immune and defense biological processes and molecular pathways during the early SCOV2 infection stages, with the inverse to hold during the later ones. It is highlighted that upregulation of these genes and pathways early after infection may prove beneficial in preventing subsequent uncontrolled hyperinflammatory and potentially lethal events. Discussion The basic aim of our study was to utilize in an intuitive, efficient and productive way the most relevant and state-of-the-art bioinformatics methods to reveal the core molecular mechanisms which govern the progression of SCOV2 infection and the different COVID-19 phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Potamias
- Computational Biomedicine Laboratory (CBML), Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Polymnia Gkoublia
- Computational Biomedicine Laboratory (CBML), Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
- Graduate Bioinformatics Program, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Alexandros Kanterakis
- Computational Biomedicine Laboratory (CBML), Institute of Computer Science, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
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3
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Read JF, Serralha M, Armitage JD, Iqbal MM, Cruickshank MN, Saxena A, Strickland DH, Waithman J, Holt PG, Bosco A. Single cell transcriptomics reveals cell type specific features of developmentally regulated responses to lipopolysaccharide between birth and 5 years. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275937. [PMID: 37920467 PMCID: PMC10619903 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human perinatal life is characterized by a period of extraordinary change during which newborns encounter abundant environmental stimuli and exposure to potential pathogens. To meet such challenges, the neonatal immune system is equipped with unique functional characteristics that adapt to changing conditions as development progresses across the early years of life, but the molecular characteristics of such adaptations remain poorly understood. The application of single cell genomics to birth cohorts provides an opportunity to investigate changes in gene expression programs elicited downstream of innate immune activation across early life at unprecedented resolution. Methods In this study, we performed single cell RNA-sequencing of mononuclear cells collected from matched birth cord blood and 5-year peripheral blood samples following stimulation (18hrs) with two well-characterized innate stimuli; lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly(I:C)). Results We found that the transcriptional response to LPS was constrained at birth and predominantly partitioned into classical proinflammatory gene upregulation primarily by monocytes and Interferon (IFN)-signaling gene upregulation by lymphocytes. Moreover, these responses featured substantial cell-to-cell communication which appeared markedly strengthened between birth and 5 years. In contrast, stimulation with Poly(I:C) induced a robust IFN-signalling response across all cell types identified at birth and 5 years. Analysis of gene regulatory networks revealed IRF1 and STAT1 were key drivers of the LPS-induced IFN-signaling response in lymphocytes with a potential developmental role for IRF7 regulation. Conclusion Additionally, we observed distinct activation trajectory endpoints for monocytes derived from LPS-treated cord and 5-year blood, which was not apparent among Poly(I:C)-induced monocytes. Taken together, our findings provide new insight into the gene regulatory landscape of immune cell function between birth and 5 years and point to regulatory mechanisms relevant to future investigation of infection susceptibility in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F. Read
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Michael Serralha
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Jesse D. Armitage
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Muhammad Munir Iqbal
- Genomics WA, Joint Initiative of Telethon Kids Institute, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Mark N. Cruickshank
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Alka Saxena
- Genomics WA, Joint Initiative of Telethon Kids Institute, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Deborah H. Strickland
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Jason Waithman
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Patrick G. Holt
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- UWA Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Anthony Bosco
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Immunobiology, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, United States
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4
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Wallis RS, O'Garra A, Sher A, Wack A. Host-directed immunotherapy of viral and bacterial infections: past, present and future. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:121-133. [PMID: 35672482 PMCID: PMC9171745 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00734-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The advent of COVID-19 and the persistent threat of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, influenza and HIV/AIDS remind us of the marked impact that infections continue to have on public health. Some of the most effective protective measures are vaccines but these have been difficult to develop for some of these infectious diseases even after decades of research. The development of drugs and immunotherapies acting directly against the pathogen can be equally challenging, and such pathogen-directed therapeutics have the potential disadvantage of selecting for resistance. An alternative approach is provided by host-directed therapies, which interfere with host cellular processes required for pathogen survival or replication, or target the host immune response to infection (immunotherapies) to either augment immunity or ameliorate immunopathology. Here, we provide a historical perspective of host-directed immunotherapeutic interventions for viral and bacterial infections and then focus on SARS-CoV-2 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, two major human pathogens of the current era, to indicate the key lessons learned and discuss candidate immunotherapeutic approaches, with a focus on drugs currently in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Wallis
- The Aurum Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA.
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Anne O'Garra
- Immunoregulation and Infection Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Alan Sher
- Immunobiology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andreas Wack
- Immunoregulation Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
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5
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Yiang GT, Wu CC, Lu CL, Hu WC, Tsai YJ, Huang YM, Su WL, Lu KC. Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Elderly Patients with COVID-19: Potential of Melatonin Treatment. Viruses 2023; 15:156. [PMID: 36680196 PMCID: PMC9863214 DOI: 10.3390/v15010156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging processes, including immunosenescence, inflammation, inflammasome formation, genomic instability, telomeric attrition, and altered autophagy, are involved in viral infections and they may contribute to increased pathophysiological responses to the SARS-CoV-2 infection in the elderly; this poses additional risks of accelerated aging, which could be found even after recovery. Aging is associated with oxidative damage. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 infections may increase the production of reactive oxygen species and such infections will disturb the Ca++ balance via an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated unfolded protein response. Although vaccine development and anti-inflammation therapy lower the severity of COVID-19, the prevalence and mortality rates are still alarming in some countries worldwide. In this review, we describe the involvement of viral proteins in activating ER stress transducers and their downstream signals and in inducing inflammation and inflammasome formation. Furthermore, we propose the potential of melatonin as an ER stress modulator, owing to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory effects in viral infections. Considering its strong safety profile, we suggest that additive melatonin supplementation in the elderly could be beneficial in treating COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giou-Teng Yiang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei 231, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chao Wu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Lin Lu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 24352, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chung Hu
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei 231, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ju Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Science, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 243, Taiwan
| | - Yiao-Mien Huang
- Department of Dentistry, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei 231, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Lin Su
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei 231, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Cheng Lu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 24352, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei 231, Taiwan
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6
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Zhang Y, Han J, Sun F, Guo Y, Guo Y, Zhu H, Long F, Xia Z, Mao S, Zhao H, Ge Z, Yu J, Zhang Y, Qin L, Ma K, Mao R, Zhang J. A practical scoring model to predict the occurrence of critical illness in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 omicron infection. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1031231. [PMID: 36601398 PMCID: PMC9806124 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1031231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have emerged repeatedly, especially the Omicron strain which is extremely infectious, so early identification of patients who may develop critical illness will aid in delivering proper treatment and optimizing use of resources. We aimed to develop and validate a practical scoring model at hospital admission for predicting which patients with Omicron infection will develop critical illness. Methods A total of 2,459 patients with Omicron infection were enrolled in this retrospective study. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to evaluate predictors associated with critical illness. Moreover, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), continuous net reclassification improvement, and integrated discrimination index were assessed. Results The derivation cohort included 1721 patients and the validation cohort included 738 patients. A total of 98 patients developed critical illness. Thirteen variables were independent predictive factors and were included in the risk score: age > 65, C-reactive protein > 10 mg/L, lactate dehydrogenase > 250 U/L, lymphocyte < 0.8*10^9/L, white blood cell > 10*10^9/L, Oxygen saturation < 90%, malignancy, chronic kidney disease, chronic cardiac disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, and non-vaccination. AUROC in the derivation cohort and validation cohort were 0.926 (95% CI, 0.903-0.948) and 0.907 (95% CI, 0.860-0.955), respectively. Moreover, the critical illness risk scoring model had the highest AUROC compared with CURB-65, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and 4C mortality scores, and always obtained more net benefit. Conclusion The risk scoring model based on the characteristics of patients at the time of admission to the hospital may help medical practitioners to identify critically ill patients and take prompt measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiajia Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifei Guo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoxiang Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Long
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Huashan Hospital North, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijie Xia
- Department of Emergency and Acute Critical Care, Huashan Hospital North, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanlin Mao
- Department of Emergency and Acute Critical Care, Huashan Hospital North, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Emergency and Acute Critical Care, Huashan Hospital North, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi Ge
- Department of Emergency and Acute Critical Care, Huashan Hospital North, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongmei Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lunxiu Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Ma
- Department of Emergency and Acute Critical Care, Huashan Hospital North, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Ke Ma,
| | - Richeng Mao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Richeng Mao,
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Infectious Diseases and Biosafety Emergency Response, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Institute of Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/MOH), Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Department of Infectious Diseases, Jing’An Branch of Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Jiming Zhang,
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7
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Liu Y, Zhai G, Fu W, Zhang X, Xu J. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase I trial of inhalation treatment of recombinant TFF2-IFN protein: A multifunctional candidate for the treatment of COVID-19. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1063106. [PMID: 36578554 PMCID: PMC9790930 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1063106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused global pandemics in the last 3 years, and the development of new therapeutics is urgently needed. This study aimed to assess the safety, tolerated, and prolonged retention of recombinant protein trefoil factor 2 (TFF2)- interferon (IFN) in the respiratory tract of healthy volunteers. Methods: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose, dose-escalation phase I study to evaluate safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and cytokine responses after administration of recombinant TFF2-IFN proteins. Healthy volunteers were informed, enrolled, and randomized into four groups with a dose escalation of 0.2, 1, 2, and 4 mg and then inhaled the investigation product or placebo. Thirty-two eligible participants were finally enrolled; eight were assigned to the placebo group and 24 to the TFF2-IFN group, with six participants per group. Data were collected from 19 November 2021, to 4 January 2022. Results: All 32 participants completed the study. Of the participants who received the recombinant TFF2-IFN protein, 41.7% (10/24) reported 11 adverse events (AEs) during treatment and 62.5% (5/8) of those who received a placebo reported six AEs. Sixteen of the 17 AEs were grade 1. Only one grade 3 AE occurred in the placebo group and no worse event occurred as a serious adverse event. The pharmacokinetics was analyzed for times and concentrations of the investigation products in 0.2, 1, 2, and 4 mg groups in 24 recipients of TFF2-IFN, and the results showed that TFF2-IFN was retained in the lung for at least 6-8 h. Only the highest dose group (4 mg) had a transient detectable concentration in serum, while all other dose groups had a level below the lower limit of quantification. Conclusion: In this study, the recombinant TFF2-IFN protein was a well-tolerated and safe therapeutic when administered by nebulization, characterized by prolonged retention in the respiratory tract, which would be greatly beneficial in combating respiratory viral infection. Systematic Review Registration: [http://www.chictr.org.cn], identifier [ChiCTR2000035633].
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guanxing Zhai
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weihui Fu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoyan Zhang, ; Jianqing Xu,
| | - Jianqing Xu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Xiaoyan Zhang, ; Jianqing Xu,
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8
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Toro A, Lage-Vickers S, Bizzotto J, Vilicich F, Sabater A, Pascual G, Ledesma-Bazan S, Sanchis P, Ruiz MS, Arevalo AP, Porfido JL, Abbate M, Seniuk R, Labanca E, Anselmino N, Navone NM, Alonso DF, Vazquez E, Crispo M, Cotignola J, Gueron G. Pin-Pointing the Key Hubs in the IFN-γ Pathway Responding to SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102180. [PMID: 36298734 PMCID: PMC9610092 DOI: 10.3390/v14102180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) may be potential adjuvant immunotherapy for COVID-19 patients. In this work, we assessed gene expression profiles associated with the IFN-γ pathway in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Employing a case-control study from SARS-CoV-2-positive and -negative patients, we identified IFN-γ-associated pathways to be enriched in positive patients. Bioinformatics analyses showed upregulation of MAP2K6, CBL, RUNX3, STAT1, and JAK2 in COVID-19-positive vs. -negative patients. A positive correlation was observed between STAT1/JAK2, which varied alongside the patient’s viral load. Expression of MX1, MX2, ISG15, and OAS1 (four well-known IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs)) displayed upregulation in COVID-19-positive vs. -negative patients. Integrative analyses showcased higher levels of ISGs, which were associated with increased viral load and STAT1/JAK2 expression. Confirmation of ISGs up-regulation was performed in vitro using the A549 lung cell line treated with Poly (I:C), a synthetic analog of viral double-stranded RNA; and in different pulmonary human cell lines and ferret tracheal biopsies infected with SARS-CoV-2. A pre-clinical murine model of Coronavirus infection confirmed findings displaying increased ISGs in the liver and lungs from infected mice. Altogether, these results demonstrate the role of IFN-γ and ISGs in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, highlighting alternative druggable targets that can boost the host response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayelen Toro
- Laboratorio de Inflamación y Cáncer, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Correspondence: (A.T.); (S.L.-V.); (G.G.); Tel.: +54-9114-408-7796 (G.G.); Fax: +54-9114-788-5755 (G.G.)
| | - Sofia Lage-Vickers
- Laboratorio de Inflamación y Cáncer, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Correspondence: (A.T.); (S.L.-V.); (G.G.); Tel.: +54-9114-408-7796 (G.G.); Fax: +54-9114-788-5755 (G.G.)
| | - Juan Bizzotto
- Laboratorio de Inflamación y Cáncer, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Instituto de Tecnología (INTEC), Universidad Argentina de la Empresa (UADE), Buenos Aires C1073AAO, Argentina
| | - Felipe Vilicich
- Laboratorio de Inflamación y Cáncer, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Agustina Sabater
- Laboratorio de Inflamación y Cáncer, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Instituto de Tecnología (INTEC), Universidad Argentina de la Empresa (UADE), Buenos Aires C1073AAO, Argentina
| | - Gaston Pascual
- Laboratorio de Inflamación y Cáncer, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Sabrina Ledesma-Bazan
- Laboratorio de Inflamación y Cáncer, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Pablo Sanchis
- Laboratorio de Inflamación y Cáncer, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Maria Sol Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Inflamación y Cáncer, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Ana Paula Arevalo
- Laboratory Animals Biotechnology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Jorge L. Porfido
- Laboratory Animals Biotechnology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Mercedes Abbate
- Laboratorio de Inflamación y Cáncer, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Rocio Seniuk
- Laboratorio de Inflamación y Cáncer, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Estefania Labanca
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and The David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nicolas Anselmino
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and The David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nora M. Navone
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology and The David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Daniel F. Alonso
- Centro de Oncología Molecular y Traslacional y Plataforma de Servicios Biotecnológicos, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, Bernal B1876BXD, Argentina
| | - Elba Vazquez
- Laboratorio de Inflamación y Cáncer, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Martina Crispo
- Laboratory Animals Biotechnology Unit, Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| | - Javier Cotignola
- Laboratorio de Inflamación y Cáncer, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Geraldine Gueron
- Laboratorio de Inflamación y Cáncer, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), CONICET—Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
- Correspondence: (A.T.); (S.L.-V.); (G.G.); Tel.: +54-9114-408-7796 (G.G.); Fax: +54-9114-788-5755 (G.G.)
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9
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Bencze D, Fekete T, Pázmándi K. Correlation between Type I Interferon Associated Factors and COVID-19 Severity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810968. [PMID: 36142877 PMCID: PMC9506204 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Antiviral type I interferons (IFN) produced in the early phase of viral infections effectively inhibit viral replication, prevent virus-mediated tissue damages and promote innate and adaptive immune responses that are all essential to the successful elimination of viruses. As professional type I IFN producing cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) have the ability to rapidly produce waste amounts of type I IFNs. Therefore, their low frequency, dysfunction or decreased capacity to produce type I IFNs might increase the risk of severe viral infections. In accordance with that, declined pDC numbers and delayed or inadequate type I IFN responses could be observed in patients with severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as compared to individuals with mild or no symptoms. Thus, besides chronic diseases, all those conditions, which negatively affect the antiviral IFN responses lengthen the list of risk factors for severe COVID-19. In the current review, we would like to briefly discuss the role and dysregulation of pDC/type I IFN axis in COVID-19, and introduce those type I IFN-dependent factors, which account for an increased risk of COVID-19 severity and thus are responsible for the different magnitude of individual immune responses to SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dóra Bencze
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 1 Egyetem Square, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Molecular Cell and Immune Biology, University of Debrecen, 1 Egyetem Square, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Tünde Fekete
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 1 Egyetem Square, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Kitti Pázmándi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 1 Egyetem Square, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +36-52-417-159
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10
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Liao TH, Wu HC, Liao MT, Hu WC, Tsai KW, Lin CC, Lu KC. The Perspective of Vitamin D on suPAR-Related AKI in COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810725. [PMID: 36142634 PMCID: PMC9500944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has claimed the lives of millions of people around the world. Severe vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of death in people with COVID-19. There is growing evidence that acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in COVID-19 patients and is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. The kidney effects of SARS-CoV-2 are directly mediated by angiotensin 2-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptors. AKI is also caused by indirect causes such as the hypercoagulable state and microvascular thrombosis. The increased release of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) from immature myeloid cells reduces plasminogen activation by the competitive inhibition of urokinase-type plasminogen activator, which results in low plasmin levels and a fibrinolytic state in COVID-19. Frequent hypercoagulability in critically ill patients with COVID-19 may exacerbate the severity of thrombosis. Versican expression in proximal tubular cells leads to the proliferation of interstitial fibroblasts through the C3a and suPAR pathways. Vitamin D attenuates the local expression of podocyte uPAR and decreases elevated circulating suPAR levels caused by systemic inflammation. This decrease preserves the function and structure of the glomerular barrier, thereby maintaining renal function. The attenuated hyperinflammatory state reduces complement activation, resulting in lower serum C3a levels. Vitamin D can also protect against COVID-19 by modulating innate and adaptive immunity, increasing ACE2 expression, and inhibiting the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system. We hypothesized that by reducing suPAR levels, appropriate vitamin D supplementation could prevent the progression and reduce the severity of AKI in COVID-19 patients, although the data available require further elucidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Hsien Liao
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Chang Wu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Min-Tser Liao
- Department of Pediatrics, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chung Hu
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Wang Tsai
- Department of Research, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chieh Lin
- Department of Chest Medicine, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital Hsinchu Branch, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Cheng Lu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, New Taipei City 231, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University Hospital, School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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11
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Ershov FI, Narovlyansky AN. [The problem of the use of interferons in the novel coronavirus disease COVID-19 (Coronaviridae: Coronavirinae: Betacoronavirus: Sarbecovirus)]. Vopr Virusol 2022; 67:115-125. [PMID: 35521984 DOI: 10.36233/0507-4088-103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
By the end of 2021, about 200 studies on the effect of interferons (IFNs) on the incidence and course of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19 (Coronaviridae: Coronavirinae: Betacoronavirus: Sarbecovirus) have been reported worldwide, with the number of such studies steadily increasing. This review discusses the main issues of the use of IFN drugs in this disease. The literature search was carried out in the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, RSCI databases, as well as in the Google Scholar preprint database using the available search queries «MeSH for coronavirus», «SARS-CoV-2», «IFN drugs», and «COVID-19». Interferon therapy is indicated for early administration (within the first 5 days of patient admission) in cases of mild to moderate COVID-19 to take advantage of the narrow therapeutic window of IFNs action. Control and suppression of viral replication requires therapy with IFNs and other effective antiviral agents that inhibit the reproduction of SARS-CoV-2 and induce several interferon-stimulated genes (ISG). Type I IFNs (IFN-I) exhibit potent pro-inflammatory properties and activate a wide variety of different cell types that respond to IFNs stimulation and pathogen entry. IFN-III confer local mucosal antiviral immunity without inducing the strong systemic pro-inflammatory responses associated with IFN-I. The use of IFNs drugs in the therapy of new coronavirus infection requires a cautious and differentiated approach, because in severe cases they can aggravate viral pathogenesis by causing excessive intensity of inflammatory reactions. The unique biological properties of substances of this class allow us to consider them as therapeutic agents with significant potential for use in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- F I Ershov
- FSBI «National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after the honorary academician N.F. Gamaleya» of the Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - A N Narovlyansky
- FSBI «National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after the honorary academician N.F. Gamaleya» of the Ministry of Health of Russia
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12
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Müller WEG, Wang X, Neufurth M, Schröder HC. Polyphosphate in Antiviral Protection: A Polyanionic Inorganic Polymer in the Fight Against Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 Infection. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR AND SUBCELLULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 61:145-189. [PMID: 35697940 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-01237-2_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Polyanions as polymers carrying multiple negative charges have been extensively studied with regard to their potential antiviral activity. Most studies to date focused on organic polyanionic polymers, both natural and synthetic. The inorganic polymer, polyphosphate (polyP), despite the ubiquitous presence of this molecule from bacteria to man, has attracted much less attention. More recently, and accelerated by the search for potential antiviral agents in the fight against the pandemic caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, it turned out that polyP disrupts the first step of the viral replication cycle, the interaction of the proteins in the virus envelope and in the cell membrane that are involved in the docking process of the virus with the target host cell. Experiments on a molecular level using the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the cellular angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor revealed that polyP strongly inhibits the binding reaction through an electrostatic interaction between the negatively charged centers of the polyP molecule and a cationic groove, which is formed by positively charged amino acids on the RBD surface. In addition, it was found that polyP, due to its morphogenetic and energy delivering activities, enhances the antiviral host innate immunity defense of the respiratory epithelium. The underlying mechanisms and envisaged application of polyP in the therapy and prevention of COVID-19 are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner E G Müller
- ERC Advanced Investigator Group, Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- ERC Advanced Investigator Group, Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Meik Neufurth
- ERC Advanced Investigator Group, Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Heinz C Schröder
- ERC Advanced Investigator Group, Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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13
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Yan M, Dong Y, Bo X, Cheng Y, Cheng J. Large Screening Identifies ACE2 Positively Correlates With NF-κB Signaling Activity and Targeting NF-κB Signaling Drugs Suppress ACE2 Levels. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:771555. [PMID: 34867400 PMCID: PMC8639591 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.771555] [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: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses SARS-CoV-2 infected more than 156 million people and caused over 3 million death in the whole world, therefore a better understanding of the underlying pathogenic mechanism and the searching for more effective treatments were urgently needed. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) was the receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this study, we found that ACE2 was an interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) in human cell lines. By performing an ISG library screening, we found that ACE2 levels were positively regulated by multiple ISGs. Interestingly, ACE2 levels were highly correlated with ISGs-induced NF-κB activities, but not IFNβ levels. Furthermore, using an approved clinical durgs library, we found two clinical drugs, Cepharanthine and Glucosamine, significantly inhibited ACE2 level, IFNβ level, and NF-κB signaling downstream TNFα and IL6 levels. Our finding suggested the possible inhibitory effects of Cepharanthine and Glucosamine during SARS-CoV-2 infection and the subsequent inflammatory cytokine storm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meichen Yan
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Dong
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuena Bo
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Cheng
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Jinbo Cheng
- Center on Translational Neuroscience, College of Life and Environmental Science, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
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Wittebole X, Montiel V, Mesland JB. Is there a role for immune-enhancing therapies for acutely ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019? Curr Opin Crit Care 2021; 27:480-486. [PMID: 34334626 PMCID: PMC8452248 DOI: 10.1097/mcc.0000000000000862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Although the so-called cytokine storm has been early described and related to a dramatic evolution in severe COVID-19 patients, it soon became clear that those patients display clinical and biological evidence of an immunosuppressive state characterized, among other, by a profound lymphopenia. The negative role of this immune suppression on the outcome raises the question on immune therapies that might improve patient's condition. RECENT FINDINGS Important positive effects of active immune therapies, such as IL-7 or thymosin-α are already described and warrant confirmation in larger prospective trials. For other therapies, such as interferons, firm conclusions for critically ill COVID-19 patients are lacking as those patients were often excluded from the published trials. Treatment with immunoglobulins or convalescent plasma is a passive strategy to provide specific immunity. Unfortunately, results from large RCTs do not support their use presently. SUMMARY In this article, we provide a review on active and passive immune boosting strategies that might help treating the most severe COVID-19 patients. We mainly focus on active strategies that include IL-7, thymosin-α, interferons, and vitamin D. Although some positive effects are described, they certainly warrant confirmation in large randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Wittebole
- Critical Care Department, Cliniques universitaires St Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Resveratrol as an Adjunctive Therapy for Excessive Oxidative Stress in Aging COVID-19 Patients. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10091440. [PMID: 34573071 PMCID: PMC8471532 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to burden healthcare systems worldwide. COVID-19 symptoms are highly heterogeneous, and the patient may be asymptomatic or may present with mild to severe or fatal symptoms. Factors, such as age, sex, and comorbidities, are key determinants of illness severity and progression. Aging is accompanied by multiple deficiencies in interferon production by dendritic cells or macrophages in response to viral infections, resulting in dysregulation of inflammatory immune responses and excess oxidative stress. Age-related dysregulation of immune function may cause a more obvious pathophysiological response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in elderly patients and may accelerate the risk of biological aging, even after recovery. For more favorable treatment outcomes, inhibiting viral replication and dampening inflammatory and oxidative responses before induction of an overt cytokine storm is crucial. Resveratrol is a potent antioxidant with antiviral activity. Herein, we describe the reasons for impaired interferon production, owing to aging, and the impact of aging on innate and adaptive immune responses to infection, which leads to inflammation distress and immunosuppression, thereby causing fulminant disease. Additionally, the molecular mechanism by which resveratrol could reverse a state of excessive basal inflammatory and oxidative stress and low antiviral immunity is discussed.
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