MicroRNA Mimics or Inhibitors as Antiviral Therapeutic Approaches Against COVID-19

Drugs. 2021 Apr;81(5):517-531. doi: 10.1007/s40265-021-01474-5. Epub 2021 Feb 27.

Abstract

Coronaviruses, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, present a significant threat to human health by inflicting a wide variety of health complications and even death. While conventional therapeutics often involve administering small molecules to fight viral infections, small non-coding RNA sequences, known as microRNAs (miRNAs/miR-), may present a novel antiviral strategy. We can take advantage of their ability to modulate host-virus interactions through mediating RNA degradation or translational inhibition. Investigations into miRNA and SARS-CoV-2 interactions can reveal novel therapeutic approaches against this virus. The viral genomes of SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) were searched using the Nucleotide Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLASTn) for highly similar sequences, to identify potential binding sites for miRNAs hypothesized to play a role in SARS-CoV-2 infection. miRNAs that target angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the receptor used by SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV for host cell entry, were also predicted. Several relevant miRNAs were identified, and their potential roles in regulating SARS-CoV-2 infections were further assessed. Current treatment options for SARS-CoV-2 are limited and have not generated sufficient evidence on safety and efficacy for treating COVID-19. Therefore, by investigating the interactions between miRNAs and SARS-CoV-2, miRNA-based antiviral therapies, including miRNA mimics and inhibitors, may be developed as an alternative strategy to fight COVID-19.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / drug effects
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • MicroRNAs / therapeutic use*
  • Molecular Mimicry
  • Pandemics
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • MicroRNAs