RGD-binding integrins and TGF-β in SARS-CoV-2 infections - novel targets to treat COVID-19 patients?

ABSTRACT: The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is a global pandemic and a severe public health crisis. SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious and shows high mortality rates, especially in elderly and patients with pre-existing medical conditions. At the current stage, no effective drugs are available to treat these patients. In this review, we analyse the rationale of targeting RGD-binding integrins to potentially inhibit viral cell infection and to block TGF-β activation, which is involved in the severity of several human pathologies, including the complications of severe COVID-19 cases. Furthermore, we demonstrate the correlation between ACE2 and TGF-β expression and the possible consequences for severe COVID-19 infections. Finally, we list approved drugs or drugs in clinical trials for other diseases that als

SUBMITTER: Carvacho I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7971943 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature