Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 2, 2025
07:37
An Adoptive Transfer Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Mice
Published on: June 6, 2025
599
Does methotrexate influence COVID-19 infection? Case series and mechanistic data
Fabian Schälter1,2, Kerstin Dürholz1,2, Laura Bucci1,2
1Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
Arthritis Research & Therapy
|June 11, 2021
Summary
Methotrexate treatment appears to offer protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This drug may reduce susceptibility by downregulating the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Investigating the impact of methotrexate on susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2.
- Understanding potential protective mechanisms against COVID-19.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if methotrexate treatment influences the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To explore the role of ACE2 receptor expression in methotrexate's effect.
Main Methods:
- Case series involving families with COVID-19 exposure.
- Clinical assessment of symptoms, viral RNA, and IgG antibodies.
- Experimental models using mice and organoids treated with methotrexate, assessing ACE2 expression.
Main Results:
- Individuals on methotrexate remained virus-free despite exposure in case series.
- Methotrexate treatment in mice led to decreased ACE2 expression in lungs and intestines.
- ACE2 downregulation observed in mouse organoids treated with methotrexate.
Conclusions:
- Methotrexate demonstrates potential protective effects against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- The protective mechanism is associated with the downregulation of the ACE2 receptor.
- Further research into methotrexate as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for COVID-19 is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors
47
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) is the clinical practice of measuring specific drug levels in a patient's blood or body tissues to manage and optimize therapy. TDM is crucial for drugs with narrow therapeutic windows, like warfarin and phenytoin, where incorrect doses can lead to treatment failure or severe side effects. This monitoring ensures the dosage administered is within a safe and effective range. The factors affecting therapeutic drug monitoring include:Patient-Specific Factors:a.
47
01:51Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
5.6K
Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of these viruses are first reverse-transcribed into single and then double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) copies. This dsDNA called proviral DNA then integrates into the host genome. Subsequently, the host cell transcribes the proviral DNA in concert with the chromosomal DNA. This leads to the production of viral RNA and proteins that assemble at the host...
5.6K
01:27Combined Effects of Drugs: Synergism
5.3K
Synergism is a useful mechanism where combining two or more drugs is more effective than each constituent used alone. Such combinations are also called supra-additive interactions. The drugs collectively enhance the final therapeutic effect by acting on different targets. Another advantage is that the low dose of each constituent drug is sufficient to achieve the desired effect. This helps reduce the duration of therapy and lower the adverse effects of these drugs.
Such synergistic combinations...
Such synergistic combinations...
5.3K
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
299
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel...
299
01:17Phase II Reactions: Methylation Reactions
457
Methylation is a phase II biotransformation process involving the attachment of a methyl group to a substrate. Enzymes known as methyltransferases orchestrate this reaction.
The mechanism of methylation unfolds in two stages. The first stage sees a methyltransferase enzyme facilitating the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the substrate, forming S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). The second stage involves further metabolism of SAH into homocysteine, which can be recycled...
The mechanism of methylation unfolds in two stages. The first stage sees a methyltransferase enzyme facilitating the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) to the substrate, forming S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). The second stage involves further metabolism of SAH into homocysteine, which can be recycled...
457