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PANoptosis as a Therapeutic Target for COVID-19
Yue Si1,2, Xudong Zhu3, Yao Zhang1
1Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
Current Microbiology
|May 21, 2026
Summary
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection triggers PANoptosis, a cell death process linked to severe COVID-19 and Long COVID. Understanding this mechanism may reveal new therapeutic targets for viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Virology
Background:
- SARS-CoV-2 causes severe disease and Long COVID, driven by viral cytotoxicity and inflammation.
- PANoptosis, a combined cell death pathway, is implicated in the cytokine storm of COVID-19.
- Interferon (IFN) signaling is crucial in antiviral responses and immune homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review SARS-CoV-2-induced PANoptosis mechanisms.
- To explore the link between PANoptosis, cytokine storms, and IFN signaling.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for severe COVID-19 and Long COVID.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.
- Analysis of PANoptosis pathways (apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis) in COVID-19.
- Examination of regulatory networks between PANoptosis and IFN signaling.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 infection activates PANoptosis, contributing to severe inflammation and cytokine storms.
- PANoptosis dysregulation disrupts immune homeostasis during viral infection.
- Interferon signaling pathways are intricately linked with PANoptosis in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Conclusions:
- PANoptosis is a key mechanism in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, driving severe COVID-19 and Long COVID.
- Targeting PANoptosis and its interaction with IFN signaling offers potential therapeutic strategies.
- Further research can lead to novel treatments for mitigating severe COVID-19 and its sequelae.
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