Host-directed therapies for COVID-19. Issue 3 (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maeurer, Markus; Ramalho, Renata; Wang, Fu-Sheng; Zumla, Alimuddin
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in pulmonary medicine. Volume 27:Issue 3(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- host-directed therapies -- interleukins -- mesenchymal stem cells -- severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.24
• DOI: 10.1097/MCP.0000000000000769
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1070-5287

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose of review: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2-induced hyperinflammation is a major cause of death or end-organ dysfunction in COVID-19 patients. We review adjunct host-directed therapies (HDTs) for COVID-19 management. Recent findings: The use of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells as HDT for COVID-19 has been shown to be safe in phase 1 and 2 trials. Trials of anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibodies show promising mortality benefit in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Repurposed drugs and monoclonal antibodies targeting specific cytokines acting on different aspects of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cascades are under evaluation. Summary: A range of HDTs shows promise for reducing mortality and improving long term disability in patients with severe COVID-19, and require evaluation in randomized, controlled trials