Aminoglycosides can be a better choice over macrolides in COVID-19 regimen: Plausible mechanism for repurposing...

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates treatments that not only target the virus but also bolster the host's immune defenses.
• Defensins are crucial innate immune molecules effective against various pathogens, yet their role in current antiviral strategies is underappreciated.
• Macrolide antibiotics, while used for respiratory infections, do not possess immunity-enhancing properties through defensins.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of aminoglycosides as a dual-action therapeutic agent for COVID-19.
• To investigate the defensin-mediated antiviral activity of aminoglycosides.
• To evaluate aminoglycosides as both direct antivirals and immunity enhancers in the context of COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Literature review on defensins, macrolides, and aminoglycosides in relation to viral infections.
• Analysis of existing data on the antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of different antibiotic classes.
• Comparative assessment of the mechanisms of action for macrolides and aminoglycosides.

Main Results:

• Aminoglycosides demonstrate defensin-mediated antiviral activity, suggesting an immunity-enhancing role.
• Unlike macrolides, aminoglycosides can potentially boost innate immunity.
• This dual action positions aminoglycosides as a promising candidate for integrated COVID-19 treatment regimens.

Conclusions:

• Aminoglycosides offer a potential "double-edged sword" approach for COVID-19 management.
• They can be considered for inclusion in COVID-19 treatment protocols as both direct antivirals and immune enhancers.
• Further research into aminoglycosides could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for respiratory viral infections.