Chemotherapy vs. Immunotherapy in combating nCOVID19: An update

Abstract

The nCOVID-19 pandemic initiated its course of contagion from the city of Wuhan and now it has spread all over the globe. SARS-CoV-2 is the causative virus and the infection as well as its symptoms are distributed across the multi-organ perimeters. Interactions between the host and virus governs the induction of ‘cytokine storm’ resulting various immunopathological consequences leading to death. Till now it has caused tens of millions of casualties and yet no credible cure has emerged to vision. This article presents a comprehensive overview on the two most promising remedial approaches that are being attempted for the management, treatment, and plausible cure of nCOVID-19. In this context, chemotherapeutic approach primarily aims to interrupt the interactions between the host and the virus causing inhibition of its entry into the host cell and/or its proliferation and suppressing the inflammatory milieu in the infected patients. On the other side, immunotherapeutic approaches aim to modulate the host immunity by fine tuning the inflammatory signaling cascades to achieve phylaxis from the virus and restoring immune-homeostasis. Considering most of the path-breaking findings, combinatorial therapy involving of chemotherapeutics as well as vaccine could usher to be a hope for all of us to eradicate the crisis

In silico-based Discovery of New Potential Drugs Targeting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Spike Glycoprotein

“…This work clearly depicted the role of TLR3, TLR7, and TLR9 in COVID-19 immunobiology, and revealed the potential of these novel SARS-CoV-2 targets. Choudhury et al [45] have nicely commented about the use of chemotherapy versus immunotherapy in combating the novel COVID-19 infection [45]. The COVID outbreak has significantly affected heart functioning; thus, the therapeutic choices for myocardial inflammation caused by COVID-19 infection also need to be considered seriously [46].…”

SARS-CoV-2: Receptor and Co-receptor Tropism Probability

“…It’s worth mentioning that one of the effective factors in controlling the infection, are receptors and co-receptors, which the virus targets to enter host cells; subsequently, the neutralization of these factors are among the suggested treatment strategies. The following drug categories, are some of the medications that can potentially be used to block the receptors and co-receptors involved in the pathogenesis of SAR-CoV-2: Anti-ACE2: Protease inhibitors that retain ACE2’s functional activation, such as camostat and ivermectin, might be used as therapeutic agents [ 8 ]. For example, Kow et al in a meta-analysis study demonstrated that ivermectin exhibits a broad antiviral activity against a wide spectrum of RNA and DNA viruses in vivo and in vitro [ 95 ].…”

“…Anti-ACE2: Protease inhibitors that retain ACE2’s functional activation, such as camostat and ivermectin, might be used as therapeutic agents [ 8 ]. For example, Kow et al in a meta-analysis study demonstrated that ivermectin exhibits a broad antiviral activity against a wide spectrum of RNA and DNA viruses in vivo and in vitro [ 95 ].…”

“…Even worse, SARS-CoV-2 as a catastrophic pandemic, emerged worldwide, surpassing any former coronavirus epidemics, and resulting in severe clinical symptoms leading to death [ 7 ]. Moreover, the interactions between the host and this virus can mediate the induction of a “cytokine storm”, resulting in various immunopathological consequences, including immunothrombosis [ 8 , 9 ]. For example, the lowered secretion of IFNs reduces the uptake of neutrophils into the infected area, making their presence more abundant in the blood stream.…”

Post COVID-19 complications, adjunct therapy explored, and steroidal after effects

“…Corticosteroids come with their risks including delayed viral clearance from the respiratory tract and blood, risk of secondary infections, and elevated rates of difficulties like avascular necrosis, psychosis, and hyperglycemia through their usefulness overshadow the risk caused by it. Corticosteroids had been undertaken in a few surveys with SARS-CoV-1 and MERS infections [181][182][183] .…”