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Computational Evidence Based Perspective on the Plausible Repositioning of Fluoroquinolones for COVID-19 Treatment
Vikas Yadav1,2
1Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA), University of Liège, Sart-Tilman, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
Abstract:
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a serious global healthcare crisis, so there is an emergence of identifying efficacious therapeutic options. In a setting where there is an unavailability of definitive medication along with the constant eruption of vaccine-related controversies, the drugrepositioning approach seems to be an ideal step for the management of COVID-19 patients. Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are commonly prescribed antibiotics for the treatment of genitourinary tract and upper respiratory tract infections, including severe community-acquired pneumonia. Research over the years has postulated multifaceted implications of FQs in various pathological conditions. Previously, it has been reported that few, but not all FQs, possess strong antiviral activity with an unknown mechanism of action. Herein, an interesting perspective is discussed on repositioning possibilities of FQs for the SARS-CoV-2 infections based on the recent in silico evidential support. Noteworthy, FQs possess immunomodulatory and bactericidal activity which could be valuable for patients dealing with COVID-19 related complications. Conclusively, the current perspective could pave the way to initiate pre-clinical testing of FQs against several strains of SARS-CoV-2.
Insights
Drug repositioning of fluoroquinolones (FQs) offers a promising therapeutic strategy for COVID-19 management. These antibiotics show potential antiviral and immunomodulatory effects against SARS-CoV-2, warranting further pre-clinical investigation.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
- Drug Repurposing
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates novel therapeutic strategies due to limited definitive treatments and vaccine controversies.
- Fluoroquinolones (FQs), commonly used antibiotics, have demonstrated potential antiviral activities in previous research.
- Drug repositioning is a viable approach for identifying effective COVID-19 treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of repositioning fluoroquinolones (FQs) as therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2.
- To evaluate the in silico evidence supporting the use of FQs for COVID-19 treatment.
- To highlight the immunomodulatory and bactericidal properties of FQs relevant to COVID-19 complications.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of existing research on fluoroquinolone (FQ) activities.
- In silico evidence evaluation for FQ efficacy against SARS-CoV-2.
- Assessment of FQ properties, including antiviral, immunomodulatory, and bactericidal effects.
Main Results:
- Fluoroquinolones (FQs) exhibit potential antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, supported by in silico data.
- FQs possess immunomodulatory and bactericidal properties beneficial for managing COVID-19 complications.
- The mechanism of FQ antiviral action requires further elucidation.
Conclusions:
- Fluoroquinolones (FQs) represent a promising drug class for repositioning against SARS-CoV-2.
- Further pre-clinical studies are recommended to validate FQ efficacy and safety for COVID-19 treatment.
- This perspective could accelerate the development of new therapeutic options for the ongoing pandemic.
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