Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 25, 2025

Using Human Differentially Expressed Gene Lists to Perform Downstream Pathway Enrichment Analysis and Target Prioritization
03:08

Using Human Differentially Expressed Gene Lists to Perform Downstream Pathway Enrichment Analysis and Target Prioritization

Published on: October 3, 2025

486

Targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway: a potential new weapon in the global fight against SARS-CoV-2?

Salvatore Santamaria1

  • 1Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road W12 0NN, London, UK.

International Journal of Biological Sciences
|August 4, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Capivasertib effectively blocks severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from entering cells. This finding suggests capivasertib could be a potential treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Drug Discovery
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
  • Understanding viral entry mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments.
  • Capivasertib is an investigational drug with known biological activities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of capivasertib on SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry.
  • To explore the potential clinical application of capivasertib in managing COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro cell culture models were used to assess viral entry.
  • Experiments involved exposing cells to SARS-CoV-2 in the presence and absence of capivasertib.
  • Cellular assays measured viral infection levels.

Main Results:

  • Capivasertib significantly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells.
  • The drug demonstrated a dose-dependent effect on blocking viral infection.
  • No significant toxicity was observed at effective concentrations.

Conclusions:

  • Capivasertib shows promise as an antiviral agent against SARS-CoV-2.
  • Its ability to restrict viral entry warrants further investigation for COVID-19 treatment.
  • This commentary highlights the potential clinical utility of capivasertib.
Keywords:
COVID-19PI3K/AKT pathwaySARS-CoV-2

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