A new potential treatment for COVID-19 developed by researchers at Rush University Medical Center has been shown to be successful in preventing symptoms of the disease in mice.
In a study, mouse models with COVID-19 showed positive results when a peptide (a series of amino acids) was introduced into the nasal passages. The peptide was effective in reducing fever, protecting the lungs, improving heart function and preventing cytokine storm -; the immune system overcomes infection and floods the bloodstream with inflammatory proteins.
The researchers also report success in preventing the disease from progressing in their results report published Jan. 11 in the Journal of Neuroimmune Pharmacology.
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, binds to an enzyme called ACE2 that enters and enters human cells. In response, the research team designed a hexapeptide (a peptide with six amino acids) that prevents the virus from binding to ACE2.
“This could be a new way to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and protect COVID-19 patients from respiratory problems and heart issues,” said Kalipada Pahan, PhD, Professor of Neurology at Floyd A. Davis at Rush University Medical Center and research career scientist at VA Medical Center Jesse Brown, who led the study.
Many patients with COVID-19 in intensive care units suffer from a cytokine storm, which affects the lungs, heart and other organs. While anti-inflammatory medications such as steroids are available to treat the problem, these medications often cause a breakdown of the immune system.
The peptide inhibits cytokines that are only secreted by the spike protein SARS-CoV-2, not other inflammatory stimulants, indicating that this peptide would not cause immunity. “
Kalipada Pahan, PhD, Floyd A. Davis Professor of Neurology, Rush University Medical Center
Although vaccines for COVID-19 are available, their distribution nationally and globally will take months and possibly years in parts of the world. In addition, vaccines may not completely prevent the spread of COVID-19.
For example, despite the flu vaccine, approximately 40,000 to 50,000 people die each year in the United States from influenza. Therefore, specific medication will be needed to reduce inflammatory events and treat respiratory and heart problems caused by COVID-19 for better control of the disease even in the post-vaccination period.
“If our peptide results can be replicated in COVID-19 patients, it would be a remarkable improvement in the control of this pandemic,” Pahan said.
Source:
Rush University Medical Center