Role of NF-κB
As there are no vaccines or conventional drugs available for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2, we might consider the possibility of using drugs that can suppress NF-κB and thereby limit the inflammatory response to the virus pathogen18, 19. NF-κB is a ubiquitous and pleiotropic protein that regulate more than 400 genes associated with the immune responses including inflammation, immunity, cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival20, 21.
The canonical and non-canonical NF-қB signaling pathways differ with respect to downstream signaling involved in stress responses and for the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis; this provides a means for effective orchestration of inflammatory and immune responses22 and to modulate a number of different disorders including the inflammatory basis of metabolic diseases, glycolysis, and oxidative metabolism23. Therefore, NF-κB could be a major target for therapeutic intervention24.
Virus-induced NF-κB activity can promote or suppress viral activity24, 25, 26. The initial immune response to viral infections includes the induction of numerous cytokines; TNF-α and IL-1β play key roles in the early induction of inflammation and innate immune responses27. Viral infections are controlled directly by TNF-α. Moreover, these cytokines induce the synthesis and release of additional cytokines, promote the expression of cell adhesion molecules, and enhance the innate cytotoxicity of macrophages and neutrophils28. Moreover, activated NF-қB cause cytokine storm29.