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Immunomodulatory mechanisms of abatacept: A therapeutic strategy for COVID-19

Dinglong Yang1, Hetong Li1, Yujing Chen2

  • 1Second Clinical Medical College, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.

Frontiers in Medicine
|August 12, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Abatacept shows promise in preventing severe COVID-19 by downregulating inflammatory genes. This study identified potential alternative drugs for treating SARS-CoV-2 infection and its associated cytokine storm.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, poses a global health threat.
  • Cytokine storms are a primary cause of mortality in severe COVID-19 cases.
  • Abatacept, an established antirheumatic drug, modulates cytokine activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms of abatacept in treating COVID-19.
  • To identify therapeutic targets and potential drug candidates for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Methods:

  • Differential gene expression analysis comparing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients treated with abatacept and SARS-CoV-2 infected patients.
  • Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis to understand regulatory pathways.
  • Verification of targeting genes and identification of potential drug candidates.

Main Results:

  • 59 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were upregulated in COVID-19 and downregulated by abatacept treatment.
  • Immune and inflammatory responses were identified as key regulatory mechanisms via GSEA and GO analysis.
  • Eight targeting genes were verified, and 15 potential drug candidates for COVID-19 were identified.

Conclusions:

  • Abatacept demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for preventing severe COVID-19.
  • The study provides a foundation for developing alternative drug treatments for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Understanding abatacept's mechanism offers insights into managing COVID-19-induced cytokine storms.

Keywords:
COVID-19abataceptcytokine stormimmune and inflammatory responsestarget genes

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