Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) currently has few effective treatments. Given the uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness and uptake of a vaccine, it is important that the search for treatments continue. An exaggerated inflammatory state is likely responsible for much of the morbidity and mortality in COVID-19. Elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a key pro-inflammatory cytokine, have been shown to be associated with increased COVID-19 mortality. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, TNF blockade reduces not only biologically active TNF but other pro-inflammatory cytokines important in COVID-19 hyperinflammation. Observational data from patients already on anti-TNF therapy show a reduced rate of COVID-19 poor outcomes and death compared with other immune-suppressing therapies. Anti-TNF has a long history of safe use, including in special at-risk populations, and is widely available. The case to adequately assess anti-TNF as a treatment for COVID-19 is compelling. Robinson et al. discuss the potential of TNF blockade in the management of COVID-19. The rationale for the therapeutic benefit of anti-TNF is outlined, including the pathogenic role of TNF in COVID-19, the mechanism of action of anti-TNF, animal data, and supportive observational data from those on anti-TNF who develop COVID-19.
【저자키워드】 SARS-CoV-2, Glucocorticoids, pandemic, coronavirus disease-2019, tumor necrosis factor, 【초록키워드】 COVID-19, Treatment, Necrosis, Coronavirus disease 2019, Vaccine, therapy, outcome, rheumatoid arthritis, management, hyperinflammation, Patient, Effectiveness, death, morbidity and mortality, Observational data, mechanism of action, Therapies, TNF, COVID-19 mortality, inflammatory state, Safe, Therapeutic benefit, anti-TNF, pro-inflammatory cytokine, pathogenic, blockade, populations, effective, shown, responsible, develop, reduced, reduce, outlined, Robinson, treatment for COVID-19, 【제목키워드】 COVID-19, repurposing, Potential,