Transcription factor Nrf2 as a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19

Cell Stress Chaperones. 2023 Jan;28(1):11-20. doi: 10.1007/s12192-022-01296-8. Epub 2022 Nov 22.

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-like coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Critically ill patients with SARS-COV-2 infection frequently exhibit signs of high oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, which accounts for most of the mortality. Antiviral strategies to inhibit the pathogenic consequences of COVID-19 are urgently required. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related transcription factor (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that is involved in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defense in several tissues and cells. This review tries to present an overview of the role of Nrf2 in the treatment of COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19; Nrf2; Oxidative stress; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • NF-E2-Related Factor 2
  • Antioxidants