SARS-CoV-2 infection: NLRP3 inflammasome as plausible target to prevent cardiopulmonary complications?
Vincenzo Quagliariello, Annamaria Bonelli, Antonietta Caronna, Maria Cristina Lombari, Gabriele Conforti, M. Libutti, R. V. Iaffaioli, Massimiliano Berretta, Gerardo Botti, Nicola Maurea
Abstract
NLRP3 (NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) inflammasome has recently become an intriguing target of several chronic and viral diseases. Here, we argue that targeting NLRP3 inflammasome could be a strategy to prevent cardiovascular outcomes [fulminant myocarditis, heart failure, venous thromboembolism (VTE)] and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We discuss the rationale for NLRP3 targeting in clinical trials as an effective therapeutic strategy aimed to improve prognosis of COVID-19, analyzing the potential of two therapeutic options (tranilast and OLT1177) currently available in clinical practice.