https://idw-online.de/de/news771120
https://archive.is/RgA0X
A tapeworm drug against SARS-CoV-2?
Researchers from the German Center for Infection Research (DZIF) at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and the University of Bonn have examined the way in which SARS-CoV-2 reprograms the metabolism of the host cell in order to gain an overall advantage. According to their report in Nature Communications, the researchers were able to identify four substances which inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication in the host cell: spermine and spermidine, substances naturally found in the body; MK-2206, an experimental cancer drug; andniclosamide, a tapeworm drug.
Charité is currently conducting a trial to determine whether niclosamide is also effective against COVID-19 in humans.
Viral replication depends on host cell machinery and the use of the host’s molecular building blocks. In order to avoid detection by the immune system, viruses also have to ensure that they can evade cellular surveillance systems. To do this, they manipulate various processes in the infected host cell – and every virus pursues a different strategy. This is why a team of researchers led by PD Dr. Marcel Müller of the Institute of Virology and Dr. Nils Gassen of the UKB’s Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Clinic and Outpatient Clinic have investigated the way in which SARS-CoV-2 reprograms host cells for its own benefit. Their key finding was as follows: The new coronavirus slows down the cell’s own recycling mechanism, a process known as autophagy. The purpose of this ‘auto-digestion’ mechanism is to enable the cell to dispose of damaged cell materials and waste products while recycling usable molecular building blocks for incorporation into new cellular structures.
“In our study, we were able to show that at the same time as using the cell’s building blocks for its own benefit, SARS-CoV-2 deceives the cell by simulating a nutrient-rich status, thereby slowing cellular recycling,” explains first author Dr. Gassen. As part of this work, the researchers undertook a detailed analysis of SARS-CoV-2 infected cells and the lung tissue of COVID-19 patients, studying cellular metabolism and the processing of molecular signals. “It is likely that SARS-CoV-2 uses this to avoid dismantling by the cell. After all, viruses are also subject to autophagic disposal,” adds the study’s last author, DZIF researcher PD Dr. Müller. He adds: “The same reprogramming strategy is also used by the MERS coronavirus, whose autophagy-inhibiting action we were able to demonstrate more than a year ago. However, there are other coronaviruses which, quite in contrast to this, induce autophagy. These mainly infect animals.”
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The most pronounced antiviral effect was associated with niclosamide, which the researchers had shown to be effective against the MERS coronavirus during an earlier study.The tapeworm drug was found to reduce the production of infectious SARS-CoV-2 particles by more than 99 percent. “Niclosamide showed the strongest effect in our cell culture-based experiments. What is more, it has been licensed for use against tapeworm infections in humans for a very long time and is well tolerated at potentially relevant doses,” says PD Dr. Müller. He adds: “Out of the four new candidate substances, we consider it to be the most promising one. This is why we are now conducting a clinical trial at Charité to test whether niclosamide might also have a positive effect on people with COVID-19. I am delighted at this development. It shows how quickly findings from basic research can reach patients if research and clinical practice are closely interlinked and work together in an efficient manner.”
https://www.charite.de/service/pressemitteilung/artikel/detail/bandwurmmittel_gegen_sars_cov_2/
Another anti-parasite drug?
What a coincidence.
Could it be, well be a parasite after all?