Recent updates on immunological, pharmacological, and alternative approaches to combat COVID-19

Abstract

The pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is instigated by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that is mainly transmitted via the inhalation route and characterized by fever, coughing and shortness of breath. COVID-19 affects all age groups with no single cure. The drug discovery, manufacturing, and safety studies require extensive time and sources and, therefore, struggled to match the exponential spread of COVID-19. Yet, various repurposed drugs (antivirals, immune-modulators, nucleotide analogues), and convalescent plasma therapy have been authorized for emergency use against COVID-19 by Food and Drug Administration under certain limits and conditions. The discovery of vaccine is the biggest milestone achieved during the current pandemic era. About nine vaccines were developed for human use with varying claims of efficacy. The rapid emergence of mutations in SARS-CoV-2, suspected adverse drug reactions of current therapies in special population groups and limited availability of drugs in developing countries necessitate the development of more efficacious, safe and cheap drugs/vaccines for treatment and prevention of COVID-19. Keeping in view these limitations, the current review provides an update on the efficacy and safety of the repurposed, and natural drugs to treat COVID-19 as well as the vaccines used for its prophylaxis.

Etiological and pathophysiological enigmas of severe coronavirus disease 2019, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and Kawasaki disease

“…Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone and methylprednisolone have been reported to be effective in reducing mortality of patients with severe COVID-19 [ 112 , 113 ]. Also, many study groups have reported that treatment with antivirals, convalescent plasma, biologics targeting IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α, and other anti-inflammatory drugs has been effective in severe COVID-19 patients to reduce morbidity and clinical severity of the disease [ 114 ].…”

Chemistry and Biological Activities of Naturally Occurring and Structurally Modified Podophyllotoxins

“…Although ring D was generally supposed to be an essential part for the activities of podophyllotoxins, a series of ring D opened deoxypodophyllotoxin (206)(207)(208)(209)(210)(211) showed selective cytotoxicities against the HL-60 cell line (Figure 7) [156]. Oxidization followed by further modification at C-9 led to the synthesis of some carboxylic acid derivatives as esters, amides, nitriles and anhydrides (212)(213)(214)(215)(216)(217)(218)(219)(220)(221)(222)(223)(224)(225). Their cytotoxicities were at micromolar range, although less potent than the parent compounds [157].…”

A Comprehensive Review about the Molecular Structure of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): Insights into Natural Products against COVID-19

“…Thus, the early detection, treatment, and control of cytokine storms are significant for patients [138]. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine involved in inflammatory and immunological responses [139]. Tocilizumab (TCZ), a humanized monoclonal antibody, is anti-interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) and is suggested in critically ill patients with increased IL-6 levels.…”