Perspectives on mechanistic implications of ROS inducers for targeting viral infections

Abstract

In this perspective, we propose to leverage reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction as a potential therapeutic measure against viral infections. Our rationale for targeting RNA viral infections by pro-oxidants is routed on the mechanistic hypothesis that ROS based treatment paradigm could impair RNA integrity faster than the other macromolecules. Though antiviral drugs with antioxidant properties confer potential abilities for preventing viral entry, those with pro-oxidant properties could induce the degradation of nascent viral RNA within the host cells, as RNAs are highly prone to ROS mediated degradation than DNA/proteins. We have previously established that Plumbagin is a highly potent ROS inducer, which acts through shifting of the host redox potential. Besides, it has been reported that Plumbagin treatment has the potential for interrupting viral RNA replication within the host cells. Since the on-going Corona Virus Disease - 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic mediated by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) exhibits high infectivity, the development of appropriate antiviral therapeutic strategies remains to be an urgent unmet race against time. Therefore, additional experimental validation is warranted to determine the appropriateness of repurposable drug candidates, possibly ROS inducers, for fighting the pandemic which could lead to saving many lives from being lost to COVID-19.

Non-Coding RNAs and Reactive Oxygen Species–Symmetric Players of the Pathogenesis Associated with Bacterial and Viral Infections

“…Regarding the ROS associated with different bacterial or viral infections, extensive research must be conducted in order to uncover their potential in the development of novel and efficient diagnostic and treatment methods. One future lead might be their usage as therapeutic measures against viral infections, since they can impair RNA integrity faster than other molecules [177]. Therefore, encouragement to further pursuit research on the roles of ncRNAs and ROS in bacterial and viral infections represents an important message, as they can reshape the way we currently manage such cases in clinical setups.…”

Autophagy Modulators in Coronavirus Diseases: A Double Strike in Viral Burden and Inflammation

“…Though both have been described as promising pharmaceuticals for the treatment of coronavirus diseases, they possess important toxicity, and, clinical trials associated with new formulations are needed. Tunicamycin inhibits crucial glycoproteins E2, S and M involved in SARS-CoV-2 replication and assembly (Dawood and Alnori, 2020), while plumbagin influences ROS levels, also supposedly impacting on viral replication (Nadhan et al, 2021).…”

Impact of Zinc, Glutathione, and Polyphenols as Antioxidants in the Immune Response against SARS-CoV-2

“…Viruses are not considered living organisms, but they need a host cell to develop and survive. ROS is important for its physiological function because viruses are intracellular parasites based upon the biosynthesis mechanisms of their host cells [10]. ROS are generated by several cellular processes and can be overproduced in reaction to a broad range of cellular stimuli.…”

“…The ROS generated during virus infection have critical effects on both the virus and host cells. ROS can mediate a cross-talk between the main cell pathways that are triggered during an viral infection [10]. The tissue toxicity and reactivity of ROS triggered by excess immune reactions against viral diseases can clarify the injury mechanisms found in the different viral diseases involving immune interactions [11].…”