Immune Modulation as a Therapeutic Option During the SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak: The Case for Antimalarial Aminoquinolines

Front Immunol. 2020 Aug 28:11:2159. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02159. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

The rapid spread, severity, and lack of specific treatment for COVID-19 resulted in hasty drug repurposing. Conceptually, trials of antivirals were well-accepted, but twentieth century antimalarials sparked an impassioned global debate. Notwithstanding, antiviral and immunomodulatory effects of aminoquinolines have been investigated in vitro, in vivo and in clinical trials for more than 30 years. We review the mechanisms of action of (hydroxy)chloroquine on immune cells and networks and discuss promises and pitfalls in the fight against SARS-CoV-2, the agent of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; chloroquine; hydroxychloroquine; immune modulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antimalarials / adverse effects
  • Antimalarials / pharmacology
  • Antimalarials / therapeutic use*
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Betacoronavirus / drug effects*
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • Coronavirus Infections / drug therapy*
  • Coronavirus Infections / immunology
  • Coronavirus Infections / virology
  • Drug Repositioning / methods
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / adverse effects
  • Hydroxychloroquine / pharmacology
  • Hydroxychloroquine / therapeutic use*
  • Immunologic Factors / adverse effects
  • Immunologic Factors / pharmacology
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Immunomodulation*
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / drug therapy*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / immunology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / virology
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Antimalarials
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Hydroxychloroquine