Abstract

A REVIEW ON MECHANISM OF ACTION OF CHLOROQUINE AND HYDROXYCHLOROQUINE IN TARGETING COVID-19

Patil Sanchita*, Birle Rekha, Kayande Nandu and Choudhary Devyani

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (COVID-19) is a rapidly emerging viral infection causing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). While the world is searching for expedited approval for a vaccine, which may be only preventative and not a cure, physicians and country leaders are considering several concerted clinical trials suggesting that the age-old antimalarial drugs CQ/HCQ could be a potent therapeutic against COVID-19.Based on accumulating scientific reports, here we highlight the possible modes of action of CQ/HCQ that could justify its use against viral infections. Considering the global health crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, the option of repurposing old drugs, e.g. CQ/HCQ, particularly HCQ, for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection could be a good choice. CQ/HCQ has diverse modes of action, including alteration of the acidic environment inside lysosomes and late endosomes, preventing endocytosis, exosome release and phagolysosomal fusion, and inhibition of the host cytokine storm. One or more diverse mechanisms might work against viral infections and reduce mortality. As there is no cure for COVID-19, clinical testing of HCQ is urgently required to determine its potency against SARS-CoV-2, as this is the currently available treatment option.

Keywords: COVID-19, Coronavirus, Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine.