Host-directed therapies for COVID-19

Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2021 May 1;27(3):205-209. doi: 10.1097/MCP.0000000000000769.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2-induced hyperinflammation is a major cause of death or end-organ dysfunction in COVID-19 patients. We review adjunct host-directed therapies (HDTs) for COVID-19 management.

Recent findings: The use of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells as HDT for COVID-19 has been shown to be safe in phase 1 and 2 trials. Trials of anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibodies show promising mortality benefit in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Repurposed drugs and monoclonal antibodies targeting specific cytokines acting on different aspects of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cascades are under evaluation.

Summary: A range of HDTs shows promise for reducing mortality and improving long term disability in patients with severe COVID-19, and require evaluation in randomized, controlled trials.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / immunology
  • COVID-19* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / pharmacology*
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / therapy
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / methods*
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods*
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors