Peramivir, an Anti-Influenza Virus Drug, Exhibits Potential Anti-Cytokine Storm Effects

Front Immunol. 2022 Feb 28:13:856327. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.856327. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infected by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been declared a public health emergency of international concerns. Cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) is a critical clinical symptom of severe COVID-19 patients, and the macrophage is recognized as the direct host cell of SARS-CoV-2 and potential drivers of CSS. In the present study, peramivir was identified to reduce TNF-α by partly intervention of NF-κB activity in LPS-induced macrophage model. In vivo, peramivir reduced the multi-cytokines in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), alleviated the acute lung injury and prolonged the survival time in mice. In human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs), peramivir could also inhibit the release of TNF-α. Collectively, we proposed that peramivir might be a candidate for the treatment of COVID-19 and other infections related CSS.

Keywords: COVID-19; acute lung injury; cytokine storm syndrome; multi-cytokines; peramivir.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acids, Carbocyclic
  • Animals
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • Cytokine Release Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • Guanidines
  • Humans
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear
  • Mice
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Substances

  • Acids, Carbocyclic
  • Guanidines
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • peramivir