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Human Milk Oligosaccharides: Potential Applications in COVID-19
Somchai Chutipongtanate1,2,3,4, Ardythe L Morrow4,5, David S Newburg4
1Pediatric Translational Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand.
Biomedicines
|February 25, 2022
Summary
Human milk oligosaccharides (hMOS) show potential for treating COVID-19 and long-COVID. These compounds may act as receptor decoys, immunomodulators, and prebiotics to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection and its chronic complications.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to significant mortality and the emergence of long-COVID syndrome characterized by chronic inflammation and gut dysbiosis.
- Current therapeutic strategies for COVID-19 and long-COVID are being actively investigated to improve patient outcomes.
- Human milk oligosaccharides (hMOS) are known for their beneficial effects on infant health, including immune support and microbiota modulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential therapeutic applications of hMOS in managing COVID-19 and long-COVID syndrome.
- To review the biogenesis, classification, and proposed mechanisms of action of hMOS against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To discuss the challenges and future opportunities for hMOS in clinical settings for COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes existing literature on hMOS and SARS-CoV-2.
- It examines the proposed roles of hMOS as receptor decoys, immunomodulators, mucosal signaling agents, and prebiotics.
- The review discusses the potential impact of hMOS on different stages of SARS-CoV-2 infection and long-COVID.
Main Results:
- hMOS possess properties suggesting potential efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 by interfering with viral entry and modulating immune responses.
- hMOS may help restore gut microbiota balance, a common issue in long-COVID.
- The multifaceted actions of hMOS present a novel therapeutic avenue for both acute COVID-19 and its sequelae.
Conclusions:
- hMOS represent a promising area of research for novel COVID-19 and long-COVID therapies.
- Further clinical studies are warranted to validate the efficacy and safety of hMOS for these conditions.
- hMOS could offer a natural and effective approach to mitigate the health crisis associated with SARS-CoV-2.
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