Mechanism of CoVID-19 induced hyperinflammation

This Mitacs-NSERC COVID-19 joint initiative is to investigate the mechanism of COVID-19 inducing hyperinflammation and cytokine storm. COVID-19 infected cells cause injury that triggers immune cells to release inflammatory cytokines. The partnership with Encyt Technologies Inc. and PI will use established immune macrophage cell lines to identify the molecular mechanism of hyperinflammation induced by COVID-19 ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas GPCR platform in triggering the processes associated with this cytokine storm. We have also identified that the prodrug, oseltamivir phosphate (OP), is active against mammalian neuraminidase-1 (Neu-1), which we think may have relevance as a potential anti-COVID-19 drug. Neu-1 has been reported by us to control the receptors on immune cells involved in this cytokine production. The potential outcomes will provide valuable knowledge and scientific evidence to treat patients infected with the COVID-19 virus in exhibiting signs and symptoms of impending respiratory failure.

Faculty Supervisor:

Myron Szewczuk

Student:

Reza Bayat Mokhtari

Partner:

Encyt

Discipline:

Biochemistry / Molecular biology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Queen's University