Polycations and polyanions in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

ABSTRACT

We hypothesize that polycations, such as nuclear histones, released by neutrophils COVID-19 aggravate COVID-19 by multiple mechanisms (A) Neutralization of the electrostatic repulsion between the virus particles and the cell membrane, thereby enhancing receptor-mediated entry. (B) Binding to the virus particles, thereby inducing opsonin-mediated endocytosis. (C) Adding to the cytotoxicity, in conjunction with oxidants, cytokines and other pro-inflammatory substances secreted by cells of the innate immunity system. These effects may be alleviated by the administration of negatively charged polyanions such as heparins and heparinoids.