Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) as Therapeutic Targets for Treating SARS-CoV-2: An Immunobiological Perspective.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 is presently the biggest threat to mankind throughout the globe. Increasing reports on deaths, cases of new infection, and socioeconomic losses are continuously coming from all parts of the world. Developing an efficacious drug and/or vaccine is currently the major goal to the scientific communities. In this context, toll-like receptors (TLRs) could be the useful targets in adopting effective therapeutic approaches. METHODS: This chapter has been written by incorporating the findings on TLR-based therapies against SARS-CoV-2 demonstrated in the recently published research papers/reviews. RESULTS: TLRs are the essential components of host immunity and play critical roles in deciding the fate of SARS-CoV-2 by influencing the immunoregulatory circuits governing human immune response to this pathogen. Hitherto, a number of multi-subunit peptide-based vaccines and pharmacological agents developed against SARS-CoV-2 have been found to manipulate TLR function. Therefore, circumventing overt immunopathology of COVID-19 applying TLR-antagonists can effectively reduce the morality caused from "cytokine storm"-induced multiorgan failure. Similarly, pre-administration of TLR- agonists may be used as a prophylaxis to sensitize the immune system of the individuals having risk of infection. A lot of collaborative efforts are required for bench-to-bench transformation of these knowledges. CONCLUSION: This chapter enlightens the potentials and promises of TLR-guided therapeutic strategies against COVID-19 by reviewing the major findings and achievements depicted in the literatures published till date.