Drugs for Multiple Sclerosis Activate Natural Killer Cells: Do They Protect Against COVID-19 Infection?

• Main Authors: Al-Ani M, Elemam NM, Hundt JE, Maghazachi AA
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2020-09-01
• Series: Infection and Drug Resistance
• Subjects: nk cells; multiple sclerosis; covid-19
• Online Access: https://www.dovepress.com/drugs-for-multiple-sclerosis-activate-natural-killer-cells-do-they-pro-peer-reviewed-article-IDR

Mena Al-Ani1 *,* Noha Mousaad Elemam1 *,* Jennifer Elisabeth Hundt,2 Azzam A Maghazachi1 1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine and the Immuno-Oncology Group, Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates; 2Lübeck Institute for Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Azzam A MaghazachiDepartment of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab EmiratesEmail [e-mail]: COVID-19 infection caused by the newly discovered coronavirus severe acute respiratory distress syndrome virus-19 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a pandemic issue across the globe. There are currently many investigations taking place to look for specific, safe and potent anti-viral agents. Upon transmission and entry into the human body, SARS-CoV-2 triggers multiple immune players to be involved in the fight against the viral infection. Amongst these immune cells are NK cells that possess robust antiviral activity, and which do not require prior sensitization. However, NK cell count and activity were found to be impaired in COVID-19 patients and hence, could become a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19. Several drugs, including glatiramer acetate (GA), vitamin D3, dimethyl fumarate (DMF), monomethyl fumarate (MMF), natalizumab, ocrelizumab, and IFN-β, among others have been previously described to increase the biological activities of NK cells especially their cytolytic potential as reported by upregulation of CD107a, and the release of perforin and granzymes. In this review, we propose that such drugs could potentially restore NK cell activity allowing individuals to be more protective against COVID-19 infection and its complications.Keywords: NK cells, multiple sclerosis, COVID-19