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Background: COVID-19 continues to show long-term impacts on our health. Limited effective immune-mediated antiviral drugs have been launched.
Methods: We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) and colocalization analysis using 26,597 single-cell expression quantitative trait loci (sc-eQTL) to proxy effects of expressions of 16,597 genes in 14 peripheral blood immune cells and tested them against four COVID-19 outcomes from COVID-19 Genetic Housing Initiative GWAS meta-analysis Round 7. We also carried out additional validations including colocalization, linkage disequilibrium check and host-pathogen interactome predictions. We integrated MR findings with clinical trial evidence from several drug gene related databases to identify drugs with repurposing potential. Finally, we developed a tier system and identified immune-cell-based prioritized drug targets for COVID-19.
Findings: We identified 132 putative causal genes in 14 immune cells (343 MR associations) for COVID-19, with 58 genes that were not reported previously. 145 (73%) gene-COVID-19 pairs showed effects on COVID-19 in only one immune cell type, which implied widespread immune-cell specific effects. For pathway analyses, we found the putative causal genes were enriched in natural killer (NK) recruiting cells but de-enriched in NK cells. Using a deep learning model, we found 107 (81%) of the putative causal genes (41 novel genes) were predicted to interact with SARS-COV-2 proteins. Integrating the above evidence with drug trial information, we developed a tier system and prioritized 37 drug targets for COVID-19.
Interpretation: Our study showcased the central role of immune-mediated regulatory mechanisms for COVID-19 and prioritized drug targets that might inform interventions for viral infectious diseases.
Funding: This work was supported by grants from the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFC2505203).
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.105596 | DOI Listing |
FEMS Microbiol Rev
September 2025
CIISA - Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
African Swine Fever (ASF), caused by the highly contagious African swine fever virus (ASFV), poses a significant threat to domestic and wild pigs worldwide. Despite its limited host range and lack of zoonotic potential, ASF has severe socio-economic and environmental consequences. Current control strategies primarily rely on early detection and culling of infected animals, but these measures are insufficient given the rapid spread of the disease.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAsia Pac J Clin Oncol
September 2025
Roche Products India Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai, India.
Introduction: Trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), an antibody-drug conjugate, targets tumor cells overexpressing human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). This single-arm, phase IV study assessed the safety and efficacy of T-DM1 in Indian patients with HER2-positive, locally advanced, or metastatic breast cancer previously treated with trastuzumab and a taxane.
Methods: Patients received T-DM1 (3.
Drug Dev Ind Pharm
September 2025
Department of Pharmaceutics, Mallige College of Pharmacy, Silvepura, Bangalore -560090.
ObjectivesThis review aims to explore gelling drug delivery systems with emphasis on formulation strategies, gelation mechanisms, administration routes, and therapeutic benefits. It also seeks to understand the role of different polymers in achieving optimal gelation and drug release profiles. Additionally, the review aims to identify current research gaps and highlight potential areas for future development and clinical translation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFmBio
September 2025
Flinders Accelerator for Microbiome Exploration, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) ESKAPE pathogens pose a significant global health threat due to their ability to evade antibiotics through intrinsic and acquired mechanisms. These bacteria, including , , , , , and species, evade antibiotics through intrinsic and adaptive mechanisms. Common strategies include capsule formation, biofilm, β-lactamase production, and efflux activity.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBiomacromolecules
September 2025
State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a formidable clinical challenge due to its aggressive behavior, lack of therapeutic targets, and poor prognosis. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is highly activated in TNBC, making it a promising therapeutic target. Conventional PEGylated nanocarriers often face challenges, such as accelerated blood clearance and lysosomal trapping.
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