Can Bioactive Lipids Inactivate Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2, SARS and MERS are all enveloped viruses that can cause acute respiratory syndrome. Arachidonic acid (AA) and other unsaturated fatty acids (especially eicosapentaenoic acd, EPA and docosahexaenoic acid DHA) are known to inactivate enveloped viruses and inhibit proliferation of various microbial organisms. The pro-inflammatory metabolites of AA and EPA such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes and thromboxanes induce inflammation whereas lipoxins, resolvins, protectins and maresins derived from AA, EPA and DHA not only suppress inflammation but also enhance would healing and augment phagocytosis of macrophages and other immunocytes and decrease microbial load. In view of these actions, it is suggested that AA and other unsaturated fatty acids and their metabolites may serve as endogenous anti-viral compounds and their deficiency may render humans susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, SARS and MERS and other similar viruses' infections. Hence, oral or intravenous administration of AA and other unsaturated fatty acids may aid in enhancing resistance and recovery from SARS-CoV-2, SARS and MERS infections.

Keywords: Arachidonic acid; Inflammation; Lipoxin A4; MERS; Polyunsaturated fatty acids; Prostaglandins; Protectins and maresins; Resolvins; SARS; SARS-CoV-2.

Figure 1

Transmission electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2. The spikes on the outer edge of the virus particles give coronaviruses their name, crown-like.

Figure 2

Atomic-level structure of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The receptor binding domain, the part of the spike that binds to the host cell, is colored green. (4).

Figure 3

Scheme showing how bioactive lipids could inhibit microbial proliferation.