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Nucleic Acid-Based COVID-19 Therapy Targeting Cytokine Storms: Strategies to Quell the Storm

Mai Abdel Haleem Abusalah1, Moad Khalifa2, Mohammad A I Al-Hatamleh3

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Journal of Personalized Medicine
|March 25, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Nucleic acid-based therapies, including microRNAs (miRNAs), show promise for combating COVID-19 by targeting viral proteins and suppressing the cytokine storm. These approaches offer a versatile strategy against SARS-CoV-2 infection and its severe complications.

Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates novel therapeutic strategies due to the limitations of current treatments.
  • Severe COVID-19 cases are characterized by a dangerous cytokine storm, a key target for intervention.
  • Nucleic acid-based therapeutics, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), are emerging as promising antiviral agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current nucleic acid-based therapeutics for COVID-19.
  • To discuss the mechanisms of action of these therapies, including miRNAs.
  • To consider emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and future research directions.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature review of nucleic acid-based therapeutics against COVID-19.
  • Analysis of miRNA-based strategies targeting viral gene expression and host responses.
  • Evaluation of therapeutic potential against SARS-CoV-2 variants and cytokine storm.

Main Results:

  • miRNAs can interfere with viral protein expression and modulate host responses.
  • Targeting specific miRNAs can suppress the COVID-19-induced cytokine storm.
  • Nucleic acid therapeutics offer a versatile platform for controlling SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusions:

  • Nucleic acid-based therapeutics, including miRNAs, hold significant potential for treating COVID-19.
  • These approaches can effectively combat viral infection and mitigate severe inflammatory responses.
  • Further research into nucleic acid therapies is crucial for developing effective treatments against current and future SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Keywords:
COVID-19TNAcytokine stormmRNA vaccinemiRNAsiRNA

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