MAFB and MAF Transcription Factors as Macrophage Checkpoints for COVID-19 Severity.

ABSTRACT: Defective IFN production and exacerbated inflammatory and pro-fibrotic responses are hallmarks of SARS-CoV-2 infection in severe COVID-19. Based on these hallmarks, and considering the pivotal role of macrophages in COVID-19 pathogenesis, we hypothesize that the transcription factors MAFB and MAF critically contribute to COVID-19 progression by shaping the response of macrophages to SARS-CoV-2. Our proposal stems from the recent identification of pathogenic lung macrophage subsets in severe COVID-19, and takes into consideration the previously reported ability of MAFB to dampen IFN type I production, as well as the critical role of MAFB and MAF in the acquisition and maintenance of the transcriptional signature of M-CSF-conditioned human macrophages. Solid evidences are presented that link

SUBMITTER: Vega MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7708330 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature