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HSV-2 is a common human pathogen worldwide that causes genital herpes. Due to the lack of an effective HSV-2 vaccine in the foreseeable future, there is an urgent need to develop effective, safe and affordable anti-HSV-2 agents. Our previous studies confirmed that a small-molecule compound, Q308, effectively inhibits the reactivation of latent HIV and might be developed as an anti-HIV-1 agent. Patients infected with HSV-2 are generally more susceptible to HIV-1 infection than normal humans. In this study, we found that Q308 treatment had strong inhibitory activity against both HSV-2 and acyclovir-resistant HSV-2 strains in vitro and reduced the viral titers in tissue. And this treatment effectively ameliorated the cytokine storm and pathohistological changes caused by HSV-2 infection in HSV-2-infected mice. Unlike nucleoside analogs such as acyclovir, Q308 inhibited post-viral entry events by attenuating the synthesis of viral proteins. Furthermore, Q308 treatment blocked HSV-2-induced PI3K/AKT phosphorylation due to its inhibition on viral infection and replication. Overall, Q308 treatment exhibits potent anti-HSV-2 activity by inhibiting viral replication both in vitro and in vivo. Q308 is a promising lead compound for the development of new anti-HSV-2/HIV-1 therapies, particularly against acyclovir-resistant HSV-2 strains. [Display omitted] • A potential anti-HIV-1 compound, Q308, inhibited HSV-2 infection and replication. • Q308 inhibited post-viral entry by blocking the synthesis of viral proteins. • Q308 treatment affected HSV-2-induced PI3K/AKT phosphorylation. • Q308 is a lead compound for the development of a new anti-HSV-2/HIV-1 agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), a member of the Coronaviridae family. On March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) has named the newly emerged rapidly-spreading epidemic as a pandemic. Besides the risk-reduction measures such as physical and social distancing and vaccination, a wide range of treatment modalities have been developed; aiming to fight the disease. The immune system is known as a double-edged sword in COVID-19 pathogenesis, with respect to its role in eliminating the pathogen and in inducing complications such as cytokine storm syndrome. Hence, immune-based therapeutic approaches have become an interesting field of COVID-19 research, including corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), interferon therapy, and more COVID-19-specific approaches such as anti-SARS-CoV-2-monoclonal antibodies. Herein, we did a comprehensive review on immune-based therapeutic approaches for COVID-19. Not applicable. [Display omitted] • Since the emergence of the virus, COVID-19 has caused morbidities and mortalities worldwide. • The immune system plays a dual role, eliminating pathogens and inducing poorly regulated responses. • Immune-based therapeutic approaches affect both roles and help to resolve disease complications. • These approaches are a promising candidate in controlling poorly regulated responses especially in severely ill patients. • Examples of such modalities include corticosteroids, IVIG, interferons, and monoclonal antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mode of action of kefir supplementary dietary against viral infection. • Kefir and kefir derivatives can suppress viral activity by modulating immune-system responses and/or causing disruption of viral adhesion. • The antiviral mechanisms of kefir involve enhancement of macrophage production and boosting the activity of proinflammatory cytokines. • Kefir dietaries have anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the activity of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6. • Using kefir (and its byproducts) as an inhibitor of expression of proinflammatory cytokines in COVID-19 patients could be a viable policy. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a recently discovered coronavirus termed 'severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2′ (SARS-CoV-2). Several scholars have tested antiviral drugs and compounds to overcome COVID-19. 'Kefir' is a fermented milk drink similar to a thin yogurt that is made from kefir grains. Kefir and its probiotic contents can modulate the immune system to suppress infections from viruses (e.g., Zika, hepatitis C, influenza, rotaviruses). The antiviral mechanisms of kefir involve enhancement of macrophage production, increasing phagocytosis, boosting production of cluster of differentiation-positive (CD4+), CD8+, immunoglobulin (Ig)G+ and IgA+ B cells, T cells, neutrophils, as well as cytokines (e.g., interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, interferon gamma-γ). Kefir can act as an anti-inflammatory agent by reducing expression of IL-6, IL-1, TNF-α, and interferon-γ. Hence, kefir might be a significant inhibitor of the 'cytokine storm' that contributes to COVID-19. Here, we review several studies with a particular emphasis on the effect of kefir consumption and their microbial composition against viral infection, as well as discussing the further development of kefir as a protective supplementary dietary against SARS-CoV-2 infection via modulating the immune response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Corona Virus Disease 19 (COVID 19) is caused by novel corona virus (nCoV) & leads to respiratory failure in susceptible individuals. • Many drugs have been repurposed and are potentially used either prophylactically or therapeutically throughout the world. • SOLIDARITY trial by WHO promotes clinical trial with respect to four potentially useful repurposed medications. • The drugs mentioned in SOLIDARITY trial are mainly antivirals except for hydroxychloroquine which is an anti-malarial drug. • Convalescent plasma therapy is an evolving therapy based on the principle of passive immunity. • Cytokine storm are believed to lead to deterioration in patients and drugs against the same are also in research. Novel Corona-virus Disease 2019 (nCOVID 19) is caused by a novel virulent corona virus and leads to potentially fatal virulent pneumonia and severe respiratory distress syndrome. It was initially declared as public health emergency if international concern by WHO followed by Pandemic on 12th March 2020. As of 10th April 2020, more than 1.5 million people are affected globally with around 95,000 deaths. Vaccines for this deadly virus are currently under development and many drugs used for other indications have been repurposed and investigated for prophylaxis and treatment of COVID 19. As per SOLIDARITY trial by WHO, some of the most promising candidates include chloroquine phosphate and hydroxychloroquine which are anti-malarial medications, Remdesivir, Lopinavir-Ritonavir combination with or without interferon which are anti-HIV drugs and convalescent plasma therapy. The current evidence of efficacy and ongoing research has been elaborated in the article. Besides, there has been evidence regarding inflammatory pathogenesis of this virus leading to cytokine storm in susceptible individuals. Thus, anti-proinflammatory cytokine drugs like Anakinra and Tocilizumab are undergoing multiple trials and some results are encouraging. Similarly, use of anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-37 and IL-38 is hypothesised to be useful and is under research. The situation is still evolving and hence there is yet no definitive therapy but to conclude the use of repurposed medications can be a boon till a definitive therapy and vaccines are developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]