Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: To combat the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, innovative prevention strategies are needed, including reducing ACE2 expression on respiratory cells. This study screened approved drugs in China for their ability to downregulate ACE2. Daphnetin (DAP) was found to significantly reduce ACE2 mRNA and protein levels in PC9 cells. DAP exerts its inhibitory effects on ACE2 expression by targeting HIF-1α and JAK2, thereby impeding the transcription of the ACE2 gene. The SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus infection assay confirmed that DAP-treated PC9 cells exhibited decreased susceptibility to viral infection. At therapeutic doses, DAP effectively lowers ACE2 expression in the respiratory systems of mice and humans. This suggests that DAP, already approved for other conditions, could be a new preventive measure against SARS-CoV-2, offering a cost-effective and accessible way to reduce SARS-CoV-2 spread.
Source: Scientific Reports
Authors: Qian-wen Yang, Chang-ling Yue, Meng Chen, Yun-yun Ling, Qi Dong, Ying-xin Zhou, Yin Cao, Yan-xia Ding, Xu Zhao, Hai Huang, Zhao-huan Zhang, Lei Hu, Xiao-hui Xu
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,590
OpenAlex ID: W4405841779