Histamine H4 receptor is a potential target for COVID-19 treatment

Abstract

Pulmonary fibrosis and cytokine storms are two major complications in COVID-19 patients that can decrease life quality after recovery and even cause death Histamine H4 Receptor (H4R) antagonists prevent lung fibrosis and reduce TNF-a and IL-6 secretion in several immune-mediated diseases T-helper cell 17 (TH17), which is an important inflammatory effector in COVID-19 pathogenesis, expresses H4Rs on its surface The stimulation of these receptors results in IL-17 production and, subsequently, TNF-a and IL-6 secretion, tissue remodelling, and fibrosis The compatibility of the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 with the H4R function pattern further supports this theory According to the above content, Histamine 4 receptors could be a potential target for COVID-19 treatment H4R antagonists should be evaluated in experimental in-vitro studies and randomized controlled trials in terms of their therapeutic and preventive effects in COVID-19 complications, severity progression, and mortality