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The roles of lipids in SARS-CoV-2 viral replication and the host immune response

Katherine N Theken1, Soon Yew Tang2, Shaon Sengupta3

  • 1Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Oral Surgery and Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Journal of Lipid Research
|October 2, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Lipids are crucial in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, impacting viral entry and replication. Understanding lipid roles offers new therapeutic strategies for COVID-19 treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes significant global morbidity and mortality.
  • Lipids are integral to cellular membranes and viral life cycles.
  • Cellular lipid metabolism is altered during viral infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize literature on lipid mediators regulating viral burden in COVID-19.
  • To identify knowledge gaps regarding lipids in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • To highlight therapeutic potential of targeting lipids for COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on lipids and SARS-CoV-2.
  • Analysis of mechanisms by which lipid mediators influence viral infection.
  • Identification of therapeutic targets within lipid pathways.

Main Results:

  • Lipid composition affects viral entry and replication.
  • Viruses reprogram host metabolism to remodel lipid membranes.
  • Lipid mediators like eicosanoids and sphingolipids modulate immune responses.

Conclusions:

  • Lipids play multifaceted roles in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.
  • Targeting lipid metabolism presents a promising therapeutic avenue for COVID-19.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate lipid-host-virus interactions.
Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2cholesterolcoronaviruseicosanoidslipid metabolismlipidomicsphospholipidssphingolipidsviral infection

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