New insights on the antiviral effects of chloroquine against coronavirus: what to expect for COVID-19?

Abstract

Recently, a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), officially known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in China. Despite drastic containment measures, the spread of this virus is ongoing. SARS-CoV-2 is the aetiological agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) characterised by pulmonary infection in humans. The efforts of international health authorities have since focused on rapid diagnosis and isolation of patients as well as the search for therapies able to counter the most severe effects of the disease. In the absence of a known efficient therapy and because of the situation of a public-health emergency, it made sense to investigate the possible effect of chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine against SARS-CoV-2 since this molecule was previously described as a potent inhibitor of most coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-1. Preliminary trials of chloroquine repurposing in the treatment of COVID-19 in China have been encouraging, leading to several new trials. Here we discuss the possible mechanisms of chloroquine interference with the SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle.

COVID-19 infection and rheumatoid arthritis: Faraway, so close!

“…At clinically admissible concentrations chloroquine is able to increase the endosomal pH required for virus/cell fusion, to inhibit the toll-like receptor activity, and to interfere with terminal J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f Journal Pre-proof glycosylation of the cellular receptor ACE 2 [88][89][90]. All these functions may negatively influence the virus-receptor binding, resulting in a potential effect of the drug on both entry and post-entry stages of the SARS CoV infection.…”

Cytokine storm and immunomodulatory therapy in COVID-19: Role of chloroquine and anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibodies

“…Both chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are weak bases and are able to accumulate in acidic organelles (e.g. lysosomes); as such, they can increase endosomal/lysosomal pH and inhibit viral replication [10]. In addition to their antimalarial and antiviral effects, their anti-inflammatory properties have been demonstrated in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus.…”

Teicoplanin: an alternative drug for the treatment of COVID-19?

“…Drug repurposing is an effective way to quickly identify therapeutic drug with a known safety profile to treat an emerging disease. Chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine, a front-line drug used in the treatment and prophylaxis of malaria also used in autoimmune disease had been shown to inhibit the replication of several DNA and RNA viruses, including most of human coronaviruses [3].…”