Inflammation control and improvement of cognitive function in COVID-19 infections: is there a role for kynurenine 3-monooxygenase inhibition?

Drug Discov Today. 2021 Jun;26(6):1473-1481. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.02.009. Epub 2021 Feb 18.

Abstract

The novel respiratory virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), emerged during late 2019 and spread rapidly across the world. It is now recognised that the nervous system can be affected in COVID-19, with several studies reporting long-term cognitive problems in patients. The metabolic pathway of tryptophan degradation, known as the kynurenine pathway (KP), is significantly activated in patients with COVID-19. KP metabolites have roles in regulating both inflammatory/immune responses and neurological functions. In this review, we speculate on the effects of KP activation in patients with COVID-19, and how modulation of this pathway might impact inflammation and reduce neurological symptoms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • COVID-19* / immunology
  • COVID-19* / psychology
  • Cognition* / drug effects
  • Cognition* / physiology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / metabolism*
  • Kynurenine / metabolism*
  • Kynurenine 3-Monooxygenase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Signal Transduction
  • Sulfonamides / pharmacology*
  • Thiazoles / pharmacology*
  • Tryptophan / metabolism*

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Ro 61-8048
  • Sulfonamides
  • Thiazoles
  • Kynurenine
  • Tryptophan
  • Kynurenine 3-Monooxygenase