Complement Inhibition: A Possible Therapeutic Approach in the Fight Against Covid-19 Publisher Pubmed



Deravi N¹ ; Ahsan E¹ ; Fathi M¹ ; Hosseini P² ; Yaghoobpoor S¹ ; Lotfi R³ ; Pourbagherisigaroodi A⁴ ; Bashash D⁴
Source: Reviews in Medical Virology Published:2022

Abstract

The complement system, as a vital part of innate immunity, has an important role in the clearance of pathogens; however, unregulated activation of this system probably has a key role in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury, which is induced by highly pathogenic viruses (i.e. influenza A viruses and severe acute respiratory syndrome [SARS] coronavirus). The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which is the causal agent for the ongoing global pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), has recently been spread to almost all countries around the world. Although most people are immunocompetent to SARS-CoV-2, a small group develops hyper-inflammation that leads to complications like acute respiratory distress syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and multi-organ failure. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the complement system exerts a crucial role in this inflammatory reaction. Additionally, patients with the severe form of Covid-19 show over-activation of the complement in their skin, sera, and lungs. This study aims to summarise current knowledge concerning the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with the complement system and to critically appraise complement inhibition as a potential new approach for Covid-19 treatment. © 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.