Blood‐derived product therapies for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and long COVID

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is capable of large‐scale transmission and has caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. Patients with COVID‐19 may experience persistent long‐term health issues, known as long COVID. Both acute SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and long COVID have resulted in persistent negative impacts on global public health. The effective application and development of blood‐derived products are important strategies to combat the serious damage caused by COVID‐19. Since the emergence of COVID‐19, various blood‐derived products that target or do not target SARS‐CoV‐2 have been investigated for therapeutic applications. SARS‐CoV‐2‐targeting blood‐derived products, including COVID‐19 convalescent plasma, COVID‐19 hyperimmune globulin, and recombinant anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralizing immunoglobulin G, are virus‐targeting and can provide immediate control of viral infection in the short term. Non‐SARS‐CoV‐2‐targeting blood‐derived products, including intravenous immunoglobulin and human serum albumin exhibit anti‐inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anticoagulatory properties. Rational use of these products can be beneficial to patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection or long COVID. With evidence accumulated since the pandemic began, we here summarize the progress of blood‐derived product therapies for COVID‐19, discuss the effective methods and scenarios regarding these therapies, and provide guidance and suggestions for clinical treatment.