Imiquimod Boosts Interferon Response, and Decreases ACE2 and Pro-Inflammatory Response of Human Bronchial Epithelium in Asthma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Both anti-viral and anti-inflammatory bronchial effects are warranted to treat viral infections in asthma. We sought to investigate if imiquimod, a TLR7 agonist, exhibits such dual actions in ex vivo cultured human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs), targets for SARS-CoV-2 infectivity.

Objective

To investigate bronchial epithelial effects of imiquimod of potential importance for anti-viral treatment in asthmatic patients.

Methods

Effects of imiquimod alone were examined in HBECs from healthy (N=4) and asthmatic (N=18) donors. Mimicking SARS-CoV-2 infection, HBECs were stimulated with poly(I:C), a dsRNA analogue, or SARS-CoV-2 spike-protein 1 (SP1; receptor binding) with and without imiquimod treatment. Expression of SARS-CoV-2 receptor (ACE2), pro-in

SUBMITTER: Nieto-Fontarigo JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8688760 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature