Inhibiting inflammasome; the possible mechanisms of action of azithromycin against COVID-19?

Abstract

Cytokine storm and destructive inflammation in the severe form of COVID-19 lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)/acute lung injury (ALI), and dysfunction of several different body organs in patients. SARS-CoV-2 contains all inflammasome-activating proteins belonging to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV viruses. Macrolides are known to possess immunomodulatory properties. Given the desirable results of azithromycin treatment for patients with a severe case of COVID-19, based on studies, it could be concluded that the immunomodulatory properties of azithromycin to inhibit inflammasome can help the treatment of patients with this disease.