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Interplay between the arachidonic acid/cyclooxygenase 2/prostaglandin E2 pathway and RNA viral infections
Areli J Navarro1,2, Ignacio A Pastén-Ferrada1,2, Felipe A Cancino1,2
1Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile.
Introduction:
Viruses manipulate cellular pathways to support their replication, often leading to inflammatory responses through the arachidonic acid (AA)/cyclooxygenase (COX)/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) axis. Given the potential impact of this pathway on viral pathogenesis and disease severity, defining its role during infection warrants attention.
Areas Covered:
This review examines the roles of COX-2 and its primary metabolite, PGE2, in RNA virus infections, highlighting their context-dependent effects on viral replication, pathogenesis, and host immunity. It also covers the therapeutic potential of selective COX-2 inhibitors over these processes. The review is based on articles retrieved during 2000-2025 through a systematic search in PubMed and the web.
Expert Opinion:
Emerging evidence suggests that the AA/COX-2/PGE2 axis exerts significant, yet context-dependent antiviral effects during RNA virus infections. Critical gaps remain in understanding the tissue-specific effects of this pathway during RNA virus infections, including the contributions of COX-2-derived metabolites and their molecular mechanisms of action. In vivo studies and clinical trials are needed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting the AA/COX-2/PGE2 axis, with available safe COX-2-inhibiting drugs approved for human use that allow such approaches. Knowledge derived from these assays could yield impactful therapeutic applications that significantly improve clinical outcomes in RNA virus infections.
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