Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 19, 2025
Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2
Published on: November 5, 2021
Novel therapeutic approaches for treatment of COVID-19
Nikoo Hossein-Khannazer1,2, Bahare Shokoohian3,4, Anastasia Shpichka5,6
1Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
To date, there is no licensed treatment or approved vaccine to combat the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19), and the number of new cases and mortality multiplies every day. Therefore, it is essential to develop an effective treatment strategy to control the virus spread and prevent the disease. Here, we summarized the therapeutic approaches that are used to treat this infection. Although it seems that antiviral drugs are effective in improving clinical manifestation, there is no definite treatment protocol. Lymphocytopenia, excessive inflammation, and cytokine storm followed by acute respiratory distress syndrome are still unsolved issues causing the severity of this disease. Therefore, immune response modulation and inflammation management can be considered as an essential step. There is no doubt that more studies are required to clarify immunopathogenesis and immune response; however, new therapeutic approaches including mesenchymal stromal cell and immune cell therapy showed inspiring results.
Insights
Developing effective treatments for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is critical. While antivirals help, immune modulation and novel therapies like cell therapy show promise for managing severe COVID-19 symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Cell Therapy
Background:
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents a significant global health challenge with no licensed treatments or vaccines.
- Daily increases in cases and mortality necessitate urgent development of effective therapeutic strategies.
- Key challenges in severe COVID-19 include lymphocytopenia, excessive inflammation, and cytokine storms leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and summarize current therapeutic approaches for COVID-19.
- To highlight the importance of immune response modulation and inflammation management.
- To explore emerging therapeutic avenues for severe COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing COVID-19 treatment strategies.
- Analysis of clinical manifestations and pathological mechanisms of severe COVID-19.
- Evaluation of preliminary data on novel therapies such as mesenchymal stromal cells and immune cell therapy.
Main Results:
- Antiviral drugs show efficacy in improving clinical symptoms but a definitive treatment protocol is lacking.
- Immune response modulation and inflammation control are crucial for managing disease severity.
- Mesenchymal stromal cell therapy and immune cell therapy have demonstrated encouraging preliminary results.
Conclusions:
- Further research is essential to fully understand COVID-19 immunopathogenesis and immune responses.
- Novel therapeutic strategies, particularly those involving cell-based therapies, offer potential for improved COVID-19 patient outcomes.
- A comprehensive treatment approach may require combining antiviral therapies with immune modulation and advanced cell therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
01:18Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:16Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue,...
01:24Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...