Alpha-1-antitrypsin antagonizes COVID-19: a review of the epidemiology, molecular mechanisms, and clinical evidence.

ABSTRACT: Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), a serine protease inhibitor (serpin), is increasingly recognized to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection and counter many of the pathogenic mechanisms of COVID-19. Herein, we reviewed the epidemiologic evidence, the molecular mechanisms, and the clinical evidence that support this paradigm. As background to our discussion, we first examined the basic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection and contend that despite the availability of vaccines and anti-viral agents, COVID-19 remains problematic due to viral evolution. We next underscored that measures to prevent severe COVID-19 currently exists but teeters on a balance and that current treatment for severe COVID-19 remains grossly suboptimal. We then reviewed the epidemiologic and clinical evidence that AAT deficiency increases

SUBMITTER: Bai X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10317171 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature