Possible Therapeutic Use of Natural Compounds Against COVID-19
Nabab Khan1, Xuesong Chen1, Jonathan D Geiger1
1Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203, USA.
Abstract:
The outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19); a pandemic disease that has resulted in devastating social, economic, morbidity and mortality burdens. SARS-CoV-2 infects cells following receptor-mediated endocytosis and priming by cellular proteases. Following uptake, SARS-CoV-2 replicates in autophagosome-like structures in the cytosol following its escape from endolysosomes. Accordingly, the greater endolysosome pathway including autophagosomes and the mTOR sensor may be targets for therapeutic interventions against SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 pathogenesis. Naturally existing compounds (phytochemicals) through their actions on endolysosomes and mTOR signaling pathways might provide therapeutic relief against COVID-19. Here, we discuss evidence that some natural compounds through actions on the greater endolysosome system can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and thereby might be repurposed for use against COVID-19.
Insights
Natural compounds targeting the endolysosome pathway show promise for treating COVID-19. These phytochemicals may inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by interfering with cellular processes, offering potential therapeutic avenues.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents significant global health and economic challenges.
- SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells involves receptor-mediated endocytosis and protease priming.
- Viral replication occurs within autophagosome-like structures after escape from endolysosomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of the endolysosome pathway and mTOR signaling as therapeutic targets for COVID-19.
- To investigate the role of naturally occurring compounds (phytochemicals) in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on SARS-CoV-2 cell entry and replication mechanisms.
- Analysis of studies investigating the effects of phytochemicals on endolysosome function and mTOR signaling.
- Evaluation of evidence for repurposing natural compounds against viral infections.
Main Results:
- The endolysosome pathway, including autophagosomes and the mTOR sensor, is crucial for SARS-CoV-2 replication.
- Certain phytochemicals demonstrate the ability to modulate endolysosome function and mTOR signaling.
- Evidence suggests these natural compounds can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infectivity.
Conclusions:
- The endolysosome system represents a viable therapeutic target for combating SARS-CoV-2.
- Phytochemicals acting on this pathway offer a potential strategy for COVID-19 treatment.
- Repurposing natural compounds could provide accessible and effective interventions against COVID-19.
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