Lipid-based therapies against SARS-CoV-2 infection

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Metabolic Biochemistry
• Immunology

Background:

• Enveloped viruses, including coronaviruses, exploit host lipid metabolism for replication, envelope formation, and entry.
• Dyslipidaemia is associated with severe COVID-19, suggesting a role for lipid manipulation in disease pathogenesis.
• Host lipids are crucial for viral replication, fusion, and inflammatory responses during infection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review potential host lipid targets for therapeutic intervention against SARS-CoV-2.
• To explore strategies involving lipid metabolism modulation for managing viral infections.
• To discuss the role of lipid supplementation and ketogenic diets in mitigating viral severity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on viral lipid metabolism and host-pathogen interactions.
• Analysis of potential therapeutic targets and inhibitors related to host lipid pathways.
• Examination of evidence for lipid supplementation and dietary interventions in viral infections.

Main Results:

• Several host lipid targets and potential inhibitors show promise for antiviral therapy.
• Lipid supplementation may counteract inflammation and reduce viral infection severity.
• Ketogenic diets altering lipid metabolism present a potential strategy to limit viral effects.

Conclusions:

• Modulating host lipid metabolism offers a promising therapeutic avenue against SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections.
• Restricting viral access to host lipids via inhibitors or altering lipid availability through supplementation or diet could limit infection and severity.
• Further research into host lipid manipulation is warranted for developing novel antiviral strategies.