Immuno-epigenetic paradigms in coronavirus infection

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, necessitating ongoing therapeutic strategies.
• While viral mechanisms are studied, host metabolic and lipid interactions remain unclear.
• Epigenetics, involving heritable changes without altering DNA sequence, significantly impacts host responses to SARS-CoV-2.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review immuno-epigenetic modifications in SARS-CoV-2 infected hosts.
• To elucidate how these epigenetic changes affect viral replication and infection.
• To identify potential therapeutic targets within host immune-epigenetic pathways.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on immuno-epigenetic modifications in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Analysis of current research on host-viral interplay influenced by epigenetic factors.
• Examination of epigenetic mechanisms including histone and DNA methylation, and non-coding RNA regulation.

Main Results:

• Epigenetic modifications like histone methylation, DNA/RNA methylation, and non-coding RNA regulation significantly influence host gene expression during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• These reversible epigenetic changes modulate the host's antiviral responses and susceptibility to COVID-19.
• The host-viral interplay is intricately linked to the epigenetic landscape, affecting viral replication and pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

• Immuno-epigenetic modifications play a critical role in the host's response to SARS-CoV-2.
• Targeting immune-epigenetic pathways offers promising avenues for novel therapeutic interventions against COVID-19 and its variants.
• Further research into the epigenetic landscape is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat coronavirus infections.