Neurokinin-1 Receptor as a potential drug target for COVID-19 treatment

Abstract

Novel Coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has become a pandemic in these days. It is an acute respiratory and infectious disease with no known etiology and treatment. It is continuously causing losses of precious lives and economy at a global scale on daily basis. It is the need of the hour to find more treatment strategies by either developing a drug or to boost the immune system. This opinion article aims to provide Substance P (SP) as a possible cause of the initiation of cytokine storm developed in COVID-19 infection and to suggest Neurokinin-1 Receptor (NK-1R) antagonist, Aprepitant, as a drug to be used for its treatment. This perspective will provide directions to the Biomedical scientists to explore SP and NK-1R and prepare a drug to alleviate the symptoms and cure the disease. It is very important to work on this perspective at earliest to reach to some conclusion regarding the therapeutic intervention. Clinical studies may also be conducted if proven successful. SP is a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator, released from the trigeminal nerve of brainstem as a result of nociception. It is directly related to the respiratory illness as is in COVID-19 infection. It is responsible for the increased inflammation and the signature symptoms associated with this disease. It is the main switch that needs to be switched off by administering Aprepitant along with glucocorticosteroid, dexamethasone.

Prognostic Significance of Substance P/Neurokinin 1 Receptor and Its Association with Hormonal Receptors in Breast Carcinoma

“…NK-1R antagonists can help in inhibition of various cancers by blocking angiogenesis [ 52 ]. Recently, we have proposed the NK-1R antagonist, aprepitant, as a therapeutic strategy for inflammation and respiratory symptoms in COVID-19 infection [ 53 – 55 ]. It has also been reported in our recent findings in dental inflammation and pain [ 56 ] as well as being associated with miscarriages [ 57 ].…”

Comprehensive Analysis of Genes Associated With Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

“…In our previous studies, including post-mortem studies, in silico and in vitro studies, we have proposed the involvement of Substance P/Neurokinin 1 Receptor and the gene encoding SP, Tachykinin 1 (Tac 1) to be involved in SIDS (168)(169)(170)(171)(172). We emphasize further studies to be conducted on this pathway as it is involved in the breathing control mechanism and a genetic mutation in its gene can be deleterious.…”

Immunolocalization of neurokinin 1 receptor in WHO grade 4 astrocytomas, oral squamous cell and urothelial carcinoma

“…SP is also secreted from the Vth cranial nerve [34] and activates the orofacial sensations [9], regulation of the mastication and facial musculature [26]. It also regulates a variety of biological processes after binding to NK-1R [16] such as cardiac conduction system [26], respiratory physiology [47], immune system regulation [33], sensory perceptions [24], pain processing [25] and inflammation [42]. Enhanced expression of SP/NK-1R has been reported in several pathological entities such as breast cancers [30], ovarian cancers [45], oral squamous cell [15,32], pancreatic cancers [12] and thyroid cancers [20].…”