This study demonstrates that the NRF2 antioxidant gene expression pathway is suppressed in COVID-19 patients. NRF2 agonists, 4-octyl-itaconate (4-OI) and dimethyl fumarate (DMF), inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication across various cell lines. This antiviral effect extends to other viruses like HSV-1, HSV-2, Vaccinia, and Zika, through a type I interferon (IFN)-independent mechanism. 4-OI and DMF also limit inflammatory responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, NRF2 agonists show promise as broad-spectrum antiviral and anti-inflammatory agents, with DMF potentially repurposed for COVID-19 treatment.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Oct 20, 2020
Authors
David Olagnier
Tags
NRF2
COVID-19
antiviral
anti-inflammatory
SARS-CoV-2
dimethyl fumarate
4-octyl-itaconate
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