The epigenetic implication in coronavirus infection and therapy

Area of Science:

• Epigenetics and molecular biology
• Virology and infectious diseases

Background:

• Epigenetics studies heritable phenotypic changes influenced by environmental and metabolic factors.
• Epigenetic mechanisms, including histone and DNA methylation, regulate gene expression.
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a severe respiratory illness.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and analyze how viruses, particularly coronaviruses, modulate the host epigenome.
• To explore the role of epigenetic alterations in the pathogenesis and complications of COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and comparative analysis of viral-epigenome interactions.
• Focus on highly pathogenic respiratory RNA viruses, especially coronaviruses.

Main Results:

• Viruses can manipulate host epigenetic machinery to alter gene expression.
• Epigenetic modifications are implicated in the development of severe COVID-19.

Conclusions:

• Epigenetic alterations are significant in coronavirus infections and disease severity.
• Further research into epigenetic drugs is needed for effective COVID-19 therapies and prophylaxis.