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Epigenetic mechanisms regulating COVID-19 infection
Sarantis Chlamydas1, Athanasios G Papavassiliou1, Christina Piperi1
1Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens, Greece.
Epigenetics
|July 21, 2020
Summary
Epigenetic modifications influence susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and COVID-19 disease progression. Understanding these epigenetic factors offers new therapeutic strategies against viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epigenetics
- Immunology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, poses a significant global health threat.
- Viral entry and infectivity are linked to host factors like ACE2 and TMPRSS2.
- Epigenetic changes impact genome stability and cellular homeostasis, potentially influencing viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on the interplay between epigenetics and coronavirus infections.
- To highlight epigenetic factors affecting viral replication, infection, and COVID-19 susceptibility.
- To explore novel therapeutic approaches targeting host epigenetic modifications.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on epigenetics and coronavirus infection.
- Analysis of structural and molecular mechanisms of viral entry and host-pathogen interactions.
- Examination of epigenetic modifications (DNA methylation, histone modifications) in relation to viral infection.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic factors, including DNA methylation of ACE2 and histone modifications, influence age-, sex-, and tissue-specific patterns of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Viruses can manipulate the host cell's epigenetic landscape to suppress innate immune responses and promote viral replication.
- Specific epigenetic alterations are associated with COVID-19 susceptibility and disease severity.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in host-pathogen interactions during coronavirus infections.
- Targeting epigenetic mechanisms presents a promising avenue for developing new antiviral therapies and managing COVID-19.
- Further research into the epigenetics of viral infections can lead to innovative strategies for host-directed therapies.
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