Thursday, September 03, 2020

Host cell signaling responses during SARS-CoV-2 infection reveal therapeutic targets

It appears researchers from my alma mater have discovered some promising treatment for Covid-19! Well known approved cancer drugs maybe effective against Covid-19!

"Researchers around ... comprehensively analyzed the response of human host cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection and identified growth factor receptor (GFR) signaling as essential for SARS-CoV-2 replication. GFR signaling plays important roles in various diseases. Five different drugs targeting GFR signaling prevented production of SARS-CoV-2 particles in cells. ... he team used state-of-the-art phospho proteomics techniques to monitor ~16,000 sites in cells and to characterize the intracellular signaling upon infection. Bioinformatics analysis revealed growth factor receptor signaling as important for SARS-CoV-2 replication and highly targetable by existing drugs. GFR signaling has been long studied in cancer patients and the team could show that transferring already existing drugs to SARS-CoV-2 infection blocks the viral proliferation in vitro."

"We identify viral protein phosphorylation and define phosphorylation-driven host cell signaling changes upon infection. Growth factor receptor (GFR) signaling and downstream pathways are activated. Drug-protein network analyses revealed GFR signaling as key pathways targetable by approved drugs. ... It provides novel strategies for COVID-19 treatment."

Institute of Biochemistry II │ Goethe University Medical Faculty, Frankfurt | New therapeutic targets preventing SARS-CoV-2 replication.

Here is the underlying research paper (open access):
Growth Factor Receptor Signaling Inhibition Prevents SARS-CoV-2 Replication

Here is the German language article that alerted me:
FRANKFURTER STUDIE: Blockade in Zellen stoppt Coronavirus Mit einer Reihe klinisch erprobter Krebsmedikamente haben Frankfurter Forscher die Vermehrung des Coronavirus gestoppt. Und dann ist ihnen noch etwas gelungen, das bisher keiner geschafft hatte.

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