Effect of coronaviruses on blood vessel permeability: potential therapeutic targets

Nicolle R Machado1, Karina T Dias1, Bryan F S Cortes1

  • 1Laboratory of Vascular Nanopharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Insights

Coronaviruses cause severe illness, including COVID-19, by increasing vascular permeability in the lungs. This review covers updated aspects of coronavirus diseases and highlights lung vascular permeability as a drug target.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Coronaviruses have caused significant global health issues for decades.
  • The emergence of COVID-19 has led to a devastating global pandemic.
  • Enhanced vascular permeability, particularly in the lungs, is a key feature of severe coronavirus infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review updated information on coronavirus-induced diseases.
  • To focus on the role of enhanced vascular permeability in lung pathology.
  • To identify vascular permeability as a therapeutic target for coronavirus infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on coronaviruses and vascular permeability.
  • Analysis of pathological mechanisms underlying lung injury in coronavirus disease.
  • Synthesis of information on existing and novel drug targets related to vascular permeability.

Main Results:

  • Coronaviruses significantly impact human health, with COVID-19 being a major global threat.
  • Dysregulated vascular permeability in the lungs is a critical factor in coronavirus morbidity and mortality.
  • Targeting vascular permeability offers a potential therapeutic strategy for managing severe coronavirus infections.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding coronavirus pathogenesis, especially lung vascular permeability, is crucial.
  • Therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating vascular permeability show promise for treating coronavirus diseases.
  • Further research into drugs targeting vascular permeability could mitigate the impact of future coronavirus outbreaks.