Chitin‐lipid interactions and the potential relationship between Demodex and SARS‐CoV ‐2

Abstract

Already from the early days of the COVID‐19 pandemic, regulatory agencies have attempted to ascertain the possible routes of SARS‐CoV‐2 viral transmission. It is hypothesized that the lipid bilayer that surrounds the SARS‐CoV‐2 improves its ability to remain stable on sebum‐rich skin and serves as another possible route of contracting the virus. One possible aspect of these observations that has yet to be explored in detail is what role arthropods that have been associated with human skin infestation, such as Demodecidae or Pyemotidae species, play in viral transmission. It seems likely that arthropod‐coronavirus interactions may take place through the molecular attraction forces between the chitin found on the exoskeleton of mites commonly found on human skin and the lipids present on the viral envelope of the SARS‐CoV‐2. We believe this may mean that arthropods are currently an overlooked cofactor in viral infection which may have some important biomedical implications for both prevention and treatment.

Surgical, Dermatological and Morphopathological Considerations in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cutaneous Lymphoproliferative Tumors, Primary CD4+

“…This attitude is important, both from a curative and preventive perspective; especially since it has been recently described that Demodex folliculorum may be a factor in determining other viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2. This is not only from the perspective of chitin-lipid interactions but also of immunosuppression associated with lymphoma patients, as well as the activation of inflammatory, immunological and, possibly, proliferative phenomena by the endosymbionts attached to Demodex folliculorum [22,23]. In addition, and for further evolution, we consider the emotional factors that exist in patients with chronic diseases, and especially in those with aesthetic affectation [24].…”

N-Acetylcysteine as Adjuvant Therapy for COVID-19 – A Perspective on the Current State of the Evidence

“…It is noteworthy that molecular attraction forces between chitin found on the exoskeleton of mites on human skin ( Demodecidae or Pyemotidae species) and lipids present on the viral envelope cause interactions between arthropod and coronavirus which play a major role in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. 106 Natural small molecules, namely cyclodextrins and phytosterols, may hinder viral lipid‐dependent attachment to host cells and thus reduce infectivity of the virus. 107 Nowadays, these natural compounds exist in various forms of dietary supplements.…”

The Future of Functional Clothing for an Improved Skin and Textile Microbiome Relationship

“…The material discussed earlier in this paper is known for its non-toxic, biodegradable, biocompatible properties to the skin. These unique properties have meant a fresh focus on chitin as a scaffold to build nanoparticles for enhanced transdermal drug delivery application [144,145].…”

“…The study suggests arthropod-coronavirus interactions could develop through the molecular forces between the chitin found on mites and the lipids present on the exterior of SARS-CoV-2. This may mean that mites on the skin are an important factor in viral infection, which may result in important biomedical or textile developments for both prevention and treatment [144,145]. As a result, research is going into alternatives for the current antibacterial, antiviral and antiparasitic finishes.…”