scholarly journals A Vimentin-Targeting Oral Compound with Host-Directed Antiviral and Anti-Inflammatory Actions Addresses Multiple Features of COVID-19 and Related Diseases

mBio ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhizhen Li ◽  
Jianping Wu ◽  
Ji Zhou ◽  
Baoshi Yuan ◽  
Jiqiao Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Viral Infection ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Therapeutic Drug ◽  
Multiple Features ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
The Many ◽  
Novel Agent

With the Delta variant currently fueling a resurgence of new infections in the fully vaccinated population, developing an effective therapeutic drug is especially critical and urgent in fighting COVID-19. In contrast to the many efforts to repurpose existing drugs or address only one aspect of COVID-19, we are developing a novel agent with first-in-class mechanisms of action that address both the viral infection and the overactive immune system in the pathogenesis of the disease.

scholarly journals The immune response of T cells and therapeutic targets related to regulating the levels of T helper cells after ischaemic stroke

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tian-Yu Lei ◽  
Ying-Ze Ye ◽  
Xi-Qun Zhu ◽  
Daniel Smerin ◽  
Li-Juan Gu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
T Cells ◽  
Immune System ◽  
Immune Responses ◽  
Ischaemic Stroke ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Tissue Injury ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Vital Functions ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

AbstractThrough considerable effort in research and clinical studies, the immune system has been identified as a participant in the onset and progression of brain injury after ischaemic stroke. Due to the involvement of all types of immune cells, the roles of the immune system in stroke pathology and associated effects are complicated. Past research concentrated on the functions of monocytes and neutrophils in the pathogenesis of ischaemic stroke and tried to demonstrate the mechanisms of tissue injury and protection involving these immune cells. Within the past several years, an increasing number of studies have elucidated the vital functions of T cells in the innate and adaptive immune responses in both the acute and chronic phases of ischaemic stroke. Recently, the phenotypes of T cells with proinflammatory or anti-inflammatory function have been demonstrated in detail. T cells with distinctive phenotypes can also influence cerebral inflammation through various pathways, such as regulating the immune response, interacting with brain-resident immune cells and modulating neurogenesis and angiogenesis during different phases following stroke. In view of the limited treatment options available following stroke other than tissue plasminogen activator therapy, understanding the function of immune responses, especially T cell responses, in the post-stroke recovery period can provide a new therapeutic direction. Here, we discuss the different functions and temporal evolution of T cells with different phenotypes during the acute and chronic phases of ischaemic stroke. We suggest that modulating the balance between the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory functions of T cells with distinct phenotypes may become a potential therapeutic approach that reduces the mortality and improves the functional outcomes and prognosis of patients suffering from ischaemic stroke.

Potential mechanisms of action of convalescent plasma in COVID-19

Diagnosis ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimo Franchini ◽  
Claudia Glingani ◽  
Giancarlo Maria Liumbruno
Keyword(s):  
Therapeutic Agents ◽  
Mechanisms Of Action ◽  
Narrative Review ◽  
Hypercoagulable State ◽  
Human History ◽  
Catastrophic Events ◽  
Immune Mechanisms ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic will be remembered as one of the worst catastrophic events in human history. Unfortunately, no universally recognized effective therapeutic agents are currently available for the treatment of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this context, the use of convalescent plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients has gained increasing interest thanks to the initially positive clinical reports. A number of mechanisms of action have been proposed for convalescent plasma, including direct neutralization and suppression of viremia, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulation effects and mitigation of the COVID-19-associated hypercoagulable state. These immune and non-immune mechanisms will be critically discussed in this narrative review.

scholarly journals Role of Inflammatory Cytokines in COVID-19 Patients: A Review on Molecular Mechanisms, Immune Functions, Immunopathology and Immunomodulatory Drugs to Counter Cytokine Storm

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 436
Author(s):  
Ali A. Rabaan ◽  
Shamsah H. Al-Ahmed ◽  
Javed Muhammad ◽  
Amjad Khan ◽  
Anupam A Sule ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Inflammatory Markers ◽  
Therapeutic Drug ◽  
Molecular Pathways ◽  
Cytokine Storm ◽  
Immunomodulatory Drugs ◽  
Alveolar Cells ◽  
Systemic Complications ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Pro Inflammatory Cytokines

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a severe pandemic of the current century. The vicious tentacles of the disease have been disseminated worldwide with unknown complications and repercussions. Advanced COVID-19 syndrome is characterized by the uncontrolled and elevated release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and suppressed immunity, leading to the cytokine storm. The uncontrolled and dysregulated secretion of inflammatory and pro-inflammatory cytokines is positively associated with the severity of the viral infection and mortality rate. The secretion of various pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6 leads to a hyperinflammatory response by recruiting macrophages, T and B cells in the lung alveolar cells. Moreover, it has been hypothesized that immune cells such as macrophages recruit inflammatory monocytes in the alveolar cells and allow the production of large amounts of cytokines in the alveoli, leading to a hyperinflammatory response in severely ill patients with COVID-19. This cascade of events may lead to multiple organ failure, acute respiratory distress, or pneumonia. Although the disease has a higher survival rate than other chronic diseases, the incidence of complications in the geriatric population are considerably high, with more systemic complications. This review sheds light on the pivotal roles played by various inflammatory markers in COVID-19-related complications. Different molecular pathways, such as the activation of JAK and JAK/STAT signaling are crucial in the progression of cytokine storm; hence, various mechanisms, immunological pathways, and functions of cytokines and other inflammatory markers have been discussed. A thorough understanding of cytokines’ molecular pathways and their activation procedures will add more insight into understanding immunopathology and designing appropriate drugs, therapies, and control measures to counter COVID-19. Recently, anti-inflammatory drugs and several antiviral drugs have been reported as effective therapeutic drug candidates to control hypercytokinemia or cytokine storm. Hence, the present review also discussed prospective anti-inflammatory and relevant immunomodulatory drugs currently in various trial phases and their possible implications.

scholarly journals Plasma levels of melatonin, certain cytokines and placental growth factor at non-pharmacological correction of pineal function in pregnant women with intrauterine growth restriction

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Berbets ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Pineal Gland ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Inflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Proinflammatory Cytokines ◽  
Placental Growth Factor ◽  
Placental Insufficiency ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Anti Inflammatory

The pineal gland produces the important hormone melatonin, the level of which in the blood of pregnant women decreases in case of placental insufficiency. The effect of dysfunction of the pineal gland on the immune system of pregnant women and on the angiogenic activity of the placenta during pregnancy remains insufficiently studied. Objective: to establish the effect of our method of non-drug correction of function of pineal gland on the state of the cytokine part of the immune system and on the synthesis of placental growth factor (PlGF) in pregnant women with placental insufficiency manifesting as fetal intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Material and methods. 46 pregnant women with IUGR at 30-36 weeks of gestation were examined. The group was divided into two subgroups: with non-drug correction of the pineal gland function (n = 25) and without correction (n = 21). The method of correction included a set of measures of following of lighting regimen, activity and sleep for 14 days. The control group consisted of 20 women with uncomplicated pregnancy. Levels of melatonin, PlGF, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-4, IL-10 were determined in the venous blood by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. It was established that the concentration of melatonin in the blood of pregnant women with IUGR was significantly reduced, as well as the concentration of PlGF (p < 0.01). Significant changes were also found in pregnant women with placental insufficiency, namely, increased concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α (p < 0.05), IL-1-β (p < 0.001) and IL-6 (p < 0.05), comparing to healthy pregnant women. Also, in the group of pregnant women with IUGR the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 (p <0.001) and IL-10 (p < 0.001) were elevated in comparison to the control group. After application of the developed complex of non-drug correction of pineal gland function, the concentration of melatonin in the blood of pregnant women in the subgroup of correction increased significantly, comparing to the subgroup without correction (p < 0.001), as well as the level of PlGF (p < 0.05). Also, significantly lower levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1-β and IL-6 were observed in pregnant women in the subgroup of correction (p < 0.01). Regarding anti-inflammatory cytokines, under the influence of the developed complex of measures there was a decrease in the level of IL-4 and an increase in the level of IL-10 (p < 0.01). Conclusions. When the measures, aimed at non-drug correction of function of pineal gland, are applied in pregnant women with placental insufficiency, manifested as IUGR, the following changes are observed: increased of plasma levels of melatonin and placental growth factor, decreased of levels of proinflammatory cytokines. We suggest that the pineal gland exerts its effect on the immune system through melatonin, which moderates the activity of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, thereby reducing the influence of inflammation on placental tissue, what results in increasing of concentrations of placental growth factor in the blood of pregnant women.

scholarly journals TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA: A MAGICAL WAND WITH IMMENSE MEDICINAL APPLICATIONS

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Akanksha Arora
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Vitamin C ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Tinospora Cordifolia ◽  
C Protein ◽  
Bioactive Phytochemicals ◽  
Anti Inflammatory ◽  
Significant Health ◽  
Hiv Aids

Tinospora cordifolia, a herb with a potential of boosting the immune system of a person is fully packed with nutrition be it carbohydrates, vitamin C, protein, fat, bioactive phytochemicals etc which one can have for relieving the person from illness and providing significant health benefits. When it comes to healthy herbs and plants Tinospora cordifolia never fails as a choice to cure the diseases and the symptoms associated with it. It helps in the treatment and management of diabetes, cancer, HIV-AIDS, toxicity from aflatoxins, osteoporosis, inflammation, leprosy, arthritis etc by the helps of various phytochemicals present in it. Alkaloids like Tinocordiside, Palmatine, Magnoflorine helps in cancer, syringin works as a great anti-allergen, magnoflorine as an anti-inflammatory etc.

scholarly journals Hesperidin and SARS-CoV-2: New Light on the Healthy Functions of Citrus Fruit

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paolo Bellavite ◽  
Alberto Donzelli
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Citrus Sinensis ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Citrus Fruit ◽  
Short Review ◽  
Citrus Fruits ◽  
Early Proteins ◽  
Main Protease ◽  
The Many

Among the many approaches to COVID-19 prevention, the possible role of diet has so far been somewhat marginal. Nutrition is very rich in substances with a potential beneficial effect on health and some of these could have an antiviral action or in any case be important in modulating the immune system and in defending cells from the oxidative stress associated with infection. This short review draws the attention on some components of Citrus fruits and especially of the orange (Citrus sinensis), well known for its vitamin content, but less for the function of its flavonoids. Among the latter, hesperidin has recently attracted the attention of researchers, because it binds to the key proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Several computational methods, independently applied by different researchers, showed that hesperidin has a low binding energy both with the coronavirus "spike" protein, and with the main protease that transforms the early proteins of the virus (pp1a and ppa1b) into the complex responsible for viral replication. The affinity of hesperidin for these proteins is comparable if not superior to that of common chemical antivirals. The preventive efficacy of vitamin C, at dosage attainable by diet, against viral infections is controversial, but recent reviews suggest that this substance may be useful in case of increased stress on the immune system. Finally, the reasons that suggest undertaking appropriate research on the Citrus fruits addition in the diet, as a complementary prevention and treatment of COVID-19, are discussed.

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