Using an Antagonist of Chimeric Receptor Antigen T Cell Therapy to Prevent Cytokine Storm in COVID-19: A Hypothesis

Abstract

SARS-COV-2 pandemic is almost 3-years-old and remains a case for concern. An overwhelming production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the context of COVID-19, not only impairs viral clearance but also promotes paradoxically hyperinflammation including cytokine storm; an unfortunate event leading to organ failure following long term damage due to inflammation and even death. With the advent of new variants, the interaction between vaccinated and unvaccinated people and also the interaction between persons with different variants or between the healthy and the asymptomatic; all of these possibly leading to the formation of new variants. CAR T therapy has achieved remarkable clinical results treatment of relapsed/refractory B-cell-derived malignancies. CAR T and SARS-COV-2 share one thing in common; the cytokine storm even though the former is a treatment associated complication and the latter is an exaggerated host response. Hence, we propose using Immunopharmacology (which targets amongst others, pathologies in which inflammation is the main component), by using anti-CAR-engineered T to target the cytokine storm in COVID-19 with objective to help alleviate these symptoms or as a possible solution. Specifically, by using T lymphocytes as living drugs equipped with a CAR construct directed against TH2 or viral epitopes. We hope to curb the severe complications and the poor outcomes (mortalities) associated with this pathology.