Inflammasomes and Pyroptosis as Therapeutic Targets for COVID-19

J Immunol. 2020 Jul 15;205(2):307-312. doi: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000513. Epub 2020 Jun 3.

Abstract

The inflammatory response to severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 infection has a direct impact on the clinical outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 patients. Of the many innate immune pathways that are engaged by severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2, we highlight the importance of the inflammasome pathway. We discuss available pharmaceutical agents that target a critical component of inflammasome activation, signaling leading to cellular pyroptosis, and the downstream cytokines as a promising target for the treatment of severe coronavirus disease 2019-associated diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / immunology
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Betacoronavirus / physiology
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • Coronavirus Infections / drug therapy
  • Coronavirus Infections / immunology
  • Coronavirus Infections / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Inflammasomes / drug effects*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Macrophages, Alveolar / pathology
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / immunology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / pathology
  • Pyroptosis / drug effects*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus / physiology
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Inflammasomes
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • NLRC3 protein, human