Anakinra (Kineret) and Other Treatments for SARS-CoV-2 Infections

This report delves into the potential of Kineret (Anakinra), a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and CAPS diseases, in the context of COVID-19 treatment. It discusses the role of interleukin-1 (IL-1) in the inflammatory response associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections and how Kineret, as an IL-1 inhibitor, might be beneficial. The report also explores other therapeutic approaches, including C5a inhibitors like Soliris and IFX-1, as well as checkpoint inhibitors such as Nivolumab (Opdivo) and JAK/TYK inhibitors like Baricitinib, which target different aspects of the immune response and viral entry. The information presented underscores the multifaceted nature of COVID-19 treatment, emphasizing the importance of understanding the virus's interaction with the immune system and the potential of various drugs to modulate this interaction to alleviate symptoms and improve patient outcomes. The report references several research studies and clinical trials to support the discussed treatment strategies.

Medical Virology
Kineret (Anakinra)
SRAS-COV2 usually causes infection to lower and upper respiratory systems
resulting in trivial to the acute respiratory syndrome associated with discharge unhealthy
cytokines with interleukin. When COVID-19 and Toll-Like Receptor bind together,
leading to the production of pro-interleukin (IL) - 1β that facilitates ling inflammation.
Conti et al. 2020 argued that suppressing inflammatory IL-1 helps treat families affected
with viral infections. According to Fang (2020), IL-1 also facilitates inflammatory
diseases, which leads to tissue and lung infections as well as rheumatoid arthritis disease.
Pro-IL-1 is as a result of TLRs and COVID-19 combination. Russell (2020) further
argued that inflammasomes activation triggers the formation of IL1-b hence facilitating
respiratory diseases. Kineret drug has been approved to treat RA and CAPS diseases by
harnessing IL-1 biological activities combined with interleukin-1 type 1 receptor (Kaiser
et al. 2012).
C5a inhibitors
Dong et al. (2020) noted that investigation is underway on individuals with
COVID-19 and C5a on how to prevent the diseases. Soliris is an appropriate mAb that
binds a paired C5 factor, thus preventing attack development. Eculizumab reduces the
severity of organ damages by controlling the complement system. Researchers also found
the drug is useful in preventing various blood diseases like paroxysmal nocturnal
hemoglobinuria, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and myasthenia gravis (Volk et al. 2016).
IFX-1 complement is also discovered to hinder C5a biological activities. The drug is
thought not to affect the formation of C5b-9. It inhibits inflammasome activities in the
tissue and prevents organ damage through blocking of the C5a. Sun et al. (2014) argued
that IFX-1 is being tested to ascertain its effectiveness in treating inflammatory
conditions. “Open-label, Randomized Study of IFX-1 in Patients With Severe COVID-19
Pneumonia (PANAMA)" NCT04333420
Nivolumab (Opdivo)

It was also discovered that functional exhaustion of antiviral lymphocytes was
witnessed with patients suffering from COVID-19. This occurred due to inhibition
activities such as programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1), to restore the functional activity
of T or NK cells, checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-PD-1 would be beneficial. Opdivo
drug is an effective drug for preventing PD-1, intended to suppress immune responses
(Deeks, 2014).
JAK and TYK inhibitors
Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKs) consist of intracellular tyrosine kinase enzymes
family. It comprises of JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and tyrosine kinase 2. The enzymes are
activated by cytokines such as interferons and hormones such as thrombopoietin. The
connection of cytokines to its receptor is triggered by inhibitors that cause
phosphorylation of STATs. The Phosphorylated STAT is moved to the nucleus to
regulate the proteins which participate in immune response and enhancing
inflammation Roskoski Jr, 2016).
Baricitinib
Baricitinib (AAK1), one of the JAK inhibitor, was recommended as one of the
cures of COVID-19, because of its safety and usability. With only 2-4 mg of therapeutic
dosage, it was enough to activate inhibition, other JAK inhibitors that contribute a lot in
controlling inflammatory cytokinesis INF-a. Endocytosis is one of the factors of the entry
of the virus, and Baricitinib can be used to inhibit.

References List