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Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2
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Repurposing of drugs targeting the cytokine storm induced by SARS-CoV-2

Wern Hann Ng1,2,3, Patrick Chun Hean Tang1,2,3, Suresh Mahalingam1,2,3

  • 1Emerging Viruses, Inflammation and Therapeutics Group, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.

British Journal of Pharmacology
|November 17, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Cytokine storms cause severe respiratory distress and organ failure in viral infections like COVID-19. Immunosuppressive drugs targeting specific cytokines show promise for treating SARS-CoV-2-induced ARDS.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cytokine storms are a major cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multiple organ failure in viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the urgent need for effective treatments against SARS-CoV-2-induced ARDS.
  • Immunomodulatory drugs targeting cytokines offer a potential therapeutic strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the efficacy of repurposed immunosuppressive drugs targeting key cytokines in COVID-19 patients.
  • To examine drugs that modulate IL-1β, IL-4/IL-13, IL-6, and TNF-α pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical studies and preclinical data.
  • Analysis of drug efficacy in mitigating cytokine storm-related complications in COVID-19.

Main Results:

  • Specific cytokine-targeting drugs have been evaluated in COVID-19 patients.
  • Immunosuppressive therapies aim to control hyperinflammation associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting specific cytokines like IL-1β, IL-4/IL-13, IL-6, and TNF-α is a viable strategy for managing SARS-CoV-2-induced ARDS.
  • Drug repurposing of immunosuppressants holds potential for treating severe COVID-19 complications.
Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2cytokine stormimmunosuppressive drugs

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