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Cytokines and microRNAs in SARS-CoV-2: What do we know?

Fahimeh Zamani Rarani1, Bahman Rashidi1, Mohammad Hassan Jafari Najaf Abadi2

  • 1Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.

Molecular Therapy. Nucleic Acids
|July 5, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 cytokine storm involves specific inflammatory molecules like TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6. Understanding these cytokines and microRNAs may lead to better treatments for severe coronavirus disease 2019.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic presents a significant global health challenge with limited therapeutic options.
  • Severe COVID-19 cases can lead to a dangerous 'cytokine storm,' a hyperinflammatory response causing ARDS, MODS, and mortality.
  • Key pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6, show altered levels in severe COVID-19, suggesting their role in the cytokine storm.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the cytokines involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • To explore the potential of interferons (IFNs) and interleukins (ILs) in COVID-19 treatment.
  • To highlight the role of microRNAs in cytokine storm pathogenesis during COVID-19.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific articles and research.
  • Analysis of cytokine profiles in mild versus severe COVID-19 cases.
  • Investigation of microRNA involvement in cytokine regulation related to SARS-CoV-2.

Main Results:

  • Elevated levels of specific cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6) are associated with severe COVID-19 and the cytokine storm.
  • Interferons and interleukins are implicated in the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Certain microRNAs play a role in modulating these cytokines during the COVID-19 cytokine storm.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the cytokine storm's pathophysiology is crucial for developing effective COVID-19 treatments.
  • Targeting specific cytokines and microRNAs could offer therapeutic strategies for severe COVID-19.
  • Further research into cytokine and microRNA roles may identify novel biomarkers and treatments for COVID-19.

Keywords:
COVID-19Janus kinasesNF-κBSARS-CoV-2STAT transcription factorscytokinesinterferonsinterleukinsmicroRNAs

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