1. Introduction
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a novel coronavirus: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (1,2). After the first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed in the city of Wuhan, China, in December, 2019, the disease spread rapidly and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020 (3). As the COVID-19 outbreak advances worldwide, there is a growing need to identify strategies with which to combat the virus.
Briefly, the cell entry of SARS-CoV-2 occurs after its spike (S) proteins bind to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which is expressed in several cell types, such as lung alveolar and nasal epithelial cells, enterocytes and vascular endothelial cells (4,5). After binding ACE2, the S proteins are cleaved by SARS-CoV-2 entry-activating proteases from the host cell, including type II transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), exposing fusion peptide domains in a process termed S protein priming. Once membrane fusion occurs, the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome is released into the host cell, triggering viral replication and pathogenic events (4,5).
Some nutrients have the ability to modulate the innate and acquired immune systems, and play important roles in antiviral resistance. The finding of possible synergistic actions between nutrients, as well as between nutrients and drugs, may allow the development of complex formulations that act differently from the individual components. In this context, certain specific nutrients, namely zinc, vitamin D and glutamine have been considered. These nutrients are referenced as potential adjuvants in the prevention and treatment of viral infections (6-9). Moreover, emerging evidence provided in the literature has consistently highlighted the potential role of these nutrients, as well as the immunotherapeutic agent OncoTherad, in the prevention or therapy of COVID-19 (10-27). The combination of these nutrients with OncoTherad aims to provide specific metabolic support that, when coordinated with their individual antiviral effects, may represent a putative therapeutic and/or preventive action against COVID-19.
A common mechanism among these compounds, which already exhibit an important synergy, is their ability to modulate the signaling pathways for interferons (IFNs), which are cytokines recognized for their antiviral properties (8,28-35). This area of metabolic confluence, dependent on these nutrients, also corresponds to a synthetic nanocompound known as OncoTherad, developed as an antineoplastic and immunomodulator used as therapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) (36-38). With the objective of designing a joint use, considering a possible enhancement of their efficiencies, the present review article discusses the common properties of these compounds (zinc, vitamin D, glutamine and OncoTherad), considering that when a deficiency occurs, nutrients may become limiting factors of the action of other nutrients and drugs (39).
Toll-like receptor (TLR) and interferon signaling pathways
Once cells are infected by a virus, viral pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) can be recognized by several intracellular pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs), such as TLRs. For example, TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR7, TLR8 and TLR9 play important roles in the recognition and detection of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) specific to the viral genome (40). Some viruses can avoid recognition by TLRs and may be recognized by other intracellular PRRs present in the cytosol (40).
Despite the different types of PRRs that can be activated, the antiviral immune response following the PAMP-PRR interaction involves common signaling pathways. In general, the recognition of viral pathogens is associated with the production of several inflammatory cytokines, in particular IFNs, that have important antiviral and anti-proliferative activity (40).
IFNs are a group of cytokines secreted by infected or immune cells that perform critical functions in the immune system, such as the activation of natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages (40). These cytokines are the first line of defense against viral infections. The binding of IFNs to their cell surface receptors leads to the activation of the Janus-activated kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway, which induces the expression of several genes that fight viral replication in the cell itself and in neighboring cells (28,41). Type I IFNs include IFN-α and IFN-β, while the type II IFN class has IFN-γ as its only member (42). In turn, type III IFN (IFN-λ) is a recently discovered distinct class that, despite activating a complex of different receptors, activates the same JAK/STAT signaling pathway (43).
In addition to the key role in antiviral immune responses, IFNs may also exert anti-inflammatory effects associated with the inhibition of the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1, IL-18 and IL-12 and/or increasing the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (44-49). Although a rapid and effective immune response is essential to limit viral spread, this antiviral response needs to be controlled to limit tissue damage. It is known that excessively high levels of serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (cytokine storm) produce an uncontrolled systemic inflammatory response that contributes to the increased severity of viral infections, such as those caused by SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV). This is one of the major mechanisms responsible for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), the primary cause of mortality from COVID-19 (49-55). Thus, IFNs can play a role in the treatment of COVID-19, not only through their antiviral activity, but also by counterbalancing the cytokine storm, which is actually observed in acute infection by the influenza A virus (49). Other mechanisms through which these compounds could potentially counteract the cytokine storm, specifically related to their well-known immunomodulatory effects, and other aspects of COVID-19 not covered in the present review are further discussed elsewhere (11,13,15,16,19-21,23,25,26).
Although the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 are not yet well known, its genetic (approximately 79%) and structural similarity with SARS-CoV, as well as the similar pathogenic mechanism of cell entry via interaction with ACE2, and the comparable pattern of mortality by age group suggest that previous findings on SARS may be partially applicable to COVID-19 (56,57). In SARS, there are abnormally low levels of antiviral cytokines, particularly type I IFNs (58). In addition, in severe respiratory diseases caused by the coronavirus subtypes SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, the reaction to viral infections by type I IFNs is suppressed. Both types of coronaviruses use varying strategies to evade the antiviral defense system of IFNs, such as inhibition of the production of type I IFN by infected cells, interference in the IFN signaling pathway and increased resistance to IFNs. These suppression approaches are highly associated with disease severity and an increased mortality (58-60).
In fact, it has been observed that the reduction in IFN-γ expression in CD4+ T cells is related to disease severity in patients with COVID-19 (61). A recent study that used ex vivo human lung tissue samples found that SARS-CoV-2, although replicating and infecting more efficiently than SARS-CoV, did not lead to the expression of type I, II or III IFNs (62).
The use of IFNs for the treatment of viral infectious diseases has been shown to be effective (63). For example, type I IFNs are part of the standard treatment for chronic infections by hepatitis B and C viruses (63). Numerous studies have also reported the success of the direct administration of IFNs against coronavirus (64-72). It has been shown that a combination of type I IFN and IFN-γ synergistically inhibits viral replication in vitro (73-76). Thus, the induction of IFNs has immense potential in the defense of organisms against coronavirus infections. Several clinical trials are currently underway to investigate the efficacy of IFN treatments in patients with COVID-19 (NCT04385095, NCT04350671, NCT04465695, NCT04534673, NCT04480138, NCT04492475, NCT04354259, NC T 0 4 49439 9, NC T 0 4254874, NC T 0 432 4 4 63, NC T 0 4315948, NC T 0 434 4 6 0 0, NC T 0 4276 688, ChiCTR2000029387 and ChiCTR2000029600), including cancer patients (NCT04379518, NCT04534725) (77).
OncoTherad
The synthetic nanocompound, Biological Response Modifier - Inorganic Phosphate Complex 1 (MRB-CFI-1, for its acronym in Portuguese), registered as OncoTherad, is a nanometric compound of metallic salts and phosphate and associated with a glycosidic protein, 420-530 nm in size (36-38,78-80). This novel nano-immunotherapy stimulates the immune system to eliminate cancer and could become a promising strategy against SARS-CoV-2. The immunotherapy drug is being developed by researchers at the University of Campinas in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and has patents deposited in Brazil (no. BR1020170127680) (38), USA (no. US20200156951A1) (80) and Europe (no. WO2018227261) (81). It is being tested in clinical trial (Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry -RBR-6swqd2, UTN U1111-1226-9096) and is still not available on the market.
OncoTherad is a novel intravesical therapy with immunological and antitumor properties for the treatment of NMIBC. The primary treatment for NMIBC is based on surgical transurethral resection followed by intravesical immunotherapy with bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) to avoid tumor progression and decrease recurrence. Preclinical, clinical-veterinary and phase I/II clinical trials have shown that nano-immunotherapy with OncoTherad leads to the distinct stimulation of the innate immune system mediated by TLR2 and TLR4, resulting in an increased activation of the IFN signaling pathway [TLR4, TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing IFN-β (TRIF), interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-3, IFN-α and -γ], which is associated to the superior efficacy of this nanocompound in the management of NMIBC compared to the standard treatment with BCG (36-38,82).
More specifically, the OncoTherad-induced stimulation of the immune system via TLR2 and TLR4 occurs through the phosphorylation of hydroxylated amino acids, such as tyrosine, threonine and serine by compounds that contain phosphate salts (36-38,78-80), resulting in the activation of stimulator of interferon genes (STING), with a consequent increase in the production of IFN-α and IFN-γ. The increase in the production of IFNs mediated by TLRs-2 and 4 promotes the activation of TCD8+ cells, dendritic cells and M1 macrophages, culminating in the superior effectiveness of OncoTherad in the therapy of bladder cancer when compared to BCG (37,38,78,80). Experiments with rodents (36,38,80) and dogs (38,79,80) have demonstrated that OncoTherad is able to decrease the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANK-L) system and, as a result, prevent the formation of metastases and/or counteract their progression. In addition, in the treatment of bladder cancer chemically induced in Fisher 344 rats, OncoTherad nano-immunotherapy was shown to increase the immunoreactivities of regulatory proteins, such as phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and p21, demonstrating the positive contribution of this immunotherapy in the regulation of the cell cycle (80).
A previous study demonstrated that the stimulation of TLR4 resulted in protective immune response and TRIF-related adaptor molecule (TRAM) knockout mice were more susceptible to coronavirus infection and expressed molecular signs similar to those of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV with a poor prognosis (83). Furthermore, SARS-CoV may interfere on IRF-3 signaling, delaying IFN activity (60). Therefore, considering the immunomodulation promoted by OncoTherad and the role of the IFN signaling pathway in the control of COVID-19, this compound emerges as a promising therapeutic option for SARS-CoV-2 infection control and reduction of lung injury severity.
In 5 patients who developed severe COVID-19 while undergoing treatment for NMIBC, the administration of OncoTherad with corticosteroids and antibiotics mitigated the exacerbated inflammatory response in the lungs, decreased the average hospital stay from 18 to 10 days, and prevented the need for intubation (17,84).
A 78-year-old Brazilian male enrolled on the OncoTherad clinical trial (Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry-RBR-6swqd2) for the treatment of BCG-refractory or relapsed NMIBC was the most emblematic case. The patient with a history of former tabagism (34 years), systemic arterial hypertension and previous revascularization of myocardium, arrived at the Hospital Municipal de Paulinia in Brazil, presenting with COVID-19 symptoms (84). He reported a dry cough, inappetence, coryza and malaise, which appeared immediately following a cruise trip. The diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed with local RT-PCR, IgM/IgG serological rapid screening and a chest CT scan (84).
Before exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, the patient was diagnosed with high-grade papillary urothelial carcinoma. In January, 2020, due to a refractory tumor, the patient was enrolled in the OncoTherad clinical trial, developed at the University of Campinas. Consecutive weekly applications of OncoTherad (one intravesical and one intramuscularly applied per week, for 4 weeks) were used to treat the cancer before the patient interrupted the treatment for 2 weeks for travel purposes. On April 1, 2020, following 24 h of having flu-like symptoms, the patient's clinical condition evolved to fever (38.3°C), headache, dyspnea (pO2, 66.4 mmHg; SatO2, 87%; respiratory frequency, 21 bpm) and basilar crackling and stertors in the lungs. A chest CT scan revealed areas of ground-glass opacities on lung parenchyma with bilateral distribution and predominance on right upper and middle lobes, pointing to an evolving acute lung inflammatory process (84).
OncoTherad immunotherapy was resumed to treat the cancer condition with one intramuscular application. The COVID-19 treatment regimen included oxygen therapy (nasal catheter flux 4 liters/min), Ceftriaxone 2 g (for 6 days, intravenously), Azithromycin 500 mg (for 6 days, intravenously) and Tamiflu 75 mg [twice a day (b.i.d.), for 5 days, orally]. At 72 h following hospitalization, the symptoms of coryza and cough improved, with the absence of fever. However, the patient presented continued inappetence and fatigue on minimal exertions. Oxygen therapy was maintained, and, after 6 days of hospitalization, the patient exhibited a significant improvement in pulmonary inflammation (SatO2, 94% at room air), with the withdrawal of oxygen therapy and significant clinical improvement on the 8th day (pO2, 96.2 mmHg; SatO2, 98%; decreased basilar crackling and stertors in the lungs, absence of fever, attenuated cough and appetite enhancement). The patient was discharged in a good general condition on the 10th day of hospitalization (84). Patient progression and recovery occurred in a shorter time period (10 days) than reported in a previous study (85). As previously demonstrated, 86% of patients enrolled in a Chinese study were discharged after 16 days of hospitalization; the majority of individuals exhibited radiological worsening on the 7th day and improvement on the 14th day (85).
A new chest CT scan was performed on patient discharge and a comparative analysis with the chest CT acquired upon admission revealed areas of periphery pulmonary consolidations and fibrous stripes. Areas of ground-glass opacities were no longer observed. Moreover, treatment-related adverse events were Grade 1 or 2, such as pruritus and rash (84).
In addition, as regards the case report of immunotherapy with OncoTherad, Delafiori et al (84) identified 33 molecules related to the metabolic state at admission and 39 after improvement of the clinical condition and discharge. The authors revealed extensive lipid dysregulation with marked disturbances in the metabolism of glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids, lipid sterols and fatty acids. Several fatty acids species were identified in that study under admission and discharge conditions, including mediators of linoleic and arachidonic acid metabolism, which play a crucial role in the response to inflammation (84).
Notably, the other 4 patients subjected to the clinical protocol of OncoTherad therapy for NMIBC who tested positive for COVID-19 exhibited a similar outcome to that of the patient described in the aforementioned case report. Their recovery was more rapid (10 days) when compared to the observed for patients subjected to the standard treatment only (17).
Considering the comorbidities and age of the patients, it is considered that immunotherapy with OncoTherad exerted a protective effect in this patient, preventing the progression of infection to the most severe states and promoting fast recovery without the need for admission to the intensive care unit (84). A study with 140 participants for the use of OncoTherad immunotherapy associated with standard clinical treatment for COVID-19 is underway at Hospital Municipal de Paulinia. The study is expected to last for 1 year (17).
Studies have indicated that some nutrients, particularly zinc, vitamin D and glutamine, play an important role in the immune system and also modulate the IFN signaling pathway, as described below, which may suggest a possible synergistic action with OncoTherad.
2. Zinc
Several studies have indicated the antiviral activity of zinc against several viruses, such as SARS-CoV, rhinovirus, influenza, herpes virus, respiratory syncytial virus, equine arteritis virus, hepatitis E virus and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (6,86-90). For example, zinc has been shown to inhibit viral RNA polymerase activity in vitro and viral replication in Vero-E6 cells infected with SARS-CoV (89). The antiviral mechanisms of action of zinc include the modulation of the immune system of the infected individual, with increased signaling associated with IFNs. These cytokines also stimulate the influx of zinc into the target cell, which highlights the importance of this element for IFN signaling (6).
Zinc induces the production of IFN-α and IFN-γ, and enhances the antiviral action of IFN-α (29-31). A previous study found that zinc and its transporter, ZIP8 (SLC39A8), regulated the expression of IFN-γ in activated human T lymphocytes, which was confirmed by increased IFN-γ release with ZIP8 overexpression and reduced release of the cytokine with a reduction in the expression (knockout) of this zinc transporter (91). The same study demonstrated an increase in the production of IFN-γ in vitro by activated T lymphocytes isolated from individuals supplemented with 15 mg/day zinc orally and an even greater increase after the treatment of activated T lymphocytes with zinc in vitro (91).
In turn, in human primary lung cells, in the absence of zinc, treatment with IFN-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and the activation of Fas receptor signaling may result in cell death by apoptosis and dysfunction of the pulmonary epithelial barrier, indicating that zinc is a vital factor in the protection of this epithelium against acute damage (92).
STAT1 is a key mediator of the IFN signaling pathway. Reduced zinc bioavailability by the zinc chelating agent, N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethyl)ethylenediamine (TPEN), has been shown to significantly reduce the gene expression and protein level of STAT1 in macrophages, which may be associated with increased susceptibility to infections in zinc deficiency (93). By contrast, increased zinc concentrations may restrict the replication of hepatitis E virus, increasing the level and activity of STAT1 and/or inducing the antiviral response mediated by IFN-stimulated genes via a mechanism mediated by the nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) (90).
Interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs) are known for their antiviral functions. They are crucial for the IFN-mediated inhibition of a number of enveloped viruses, including influenza A and Ebola virus (94). Similarly, the zinc metalloprotease, ZMPSTE24, exhibits antiviral activity against several enveloped viruses, including those already mentioned (95,96). Both the IFITM3 and ZMPSTE24 proteins are induced by IFN (90), which in turn is induced by zinc treatment. Given that SARS-CoV-2 is an enveloped virus, it is assumed that the increase in IFITM and/or ZMPSTE24 induced by zinc could be effective in exerting antiviral effects against COVID-19.
Zinc also acts as an important mediator of the signaling of several immune cell receptors (97). One of these is the TLR4 receptor, which, similar to other TLR receptors, plays an important role in virus recognition and antiviral immune response (40,97). Upon activation, TLR4 binds to the adaptor protein MyD88 and causes an increase in cytoplasmic levels of free zinc (Zn2+). This zinc signaling is necessary for the activation of MyD88-dependent NF-κB, resulting in the expression of genes targeting this transcription factor, such as the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 (97). These cytokines perform several important functions in the adaptive immune response, contributing to antiviral defense (98).
Clinical studies
A clinical study with 21 healthy elderly individuals in Italy (mean age, 87 years) found that the consumption of zinc-fortified milk (3 mg of added zinc plus 1 mg of zinc naturally present in milk) for 2 months, compared to the consumption of non-fortified milk, increased cellular immunity, which was concluded by the increased release of the cytokines, IFN-γ and IL-12p70, and increased endocrine activity in the thymus (active thymulin, linked to zinc) (99). In that study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from the elderly individuals who consumed zinc-fortified milk following inflammatory stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exhibited a significant increase of 25.7% in the release of IFN-γ, indicating better cellular immune functioning (99).
These data are in agreement with those of a study on 19 healthy elderly individuals supplemented with 10 mg of elemental zinc (50 mg of zinc aspartate). PBMCs isolated from the elderly individuals and stimulated with SPEA in vitro were evaluated before and after zinc supplementation. Supplementation led to a significant increase in the release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, IFN-γ (53.28%) and TNF-α (80.03%) (P<0.006), and the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10 (31.79%) (P<0.003). These results indicated that zinc supplementation led to an improvement in the immune response of T lymphocytes (100).
3. Vitamin D
Despite the traditional name, vitamin D is actually a hormone, as in addition to being endogenously produced, it is in involved in the regulation of >200 genes in different cell types (101-103). Vitamin D is converted into its active form (calcitriol) through the action of the enzyme 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1). The detection of the expression of this enzyme and of vitamin D receptors in immune cells and the observation that the expression of these receptors is regulated by immune signaling provide evidence of the central role played by vitamin D in the immune system, as well as the clear association between low serum levels of 25(OH)D3 and autoimmune diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and respiratory infections (40). Respiratory epithelial cells constitutively express CYP27B1, underscoring their local need for active vitamin D (7).
Several studies have suggested an important antiviral role of vitamin D, although the mechanisms are complex and remain poorly understood (7). The activation of TLRs by PAMPs in immune cells leads to the increased expression of the vitamin D receptor and of CYP27B1, increasing the conversion of circulating vitamin D into its active form. Thus, the metabolism of vitamin D in these cells is linked to the recognition of pathogens, rendering it an integral part of the innate immune response (40,104).
For example, the activation of TLR4 by LPS has been shown to lead to the increased expression of CYP27B1 in monocytes (105,106). Similarly, in dendritic cells, the activation of TLR4 or TLR3 induces the expression of CYP27B1, altering the migratory properties of these cells to allow the presentation of antigens to CD4+ T lymphocytes (107-110). In human tracheobronchial epithelial cells, TLR stimulation by poly I:C and live respiratory syncytial virus increases the expression of CYP27B1, resulting in the increased conversion of vitamin D into its active form (calcitriol) and the increased expression of cathelicidins, antimicrobial peptides with important antiviral action (111). Similar effects have been reported for TLR8 and TLR2/1 heterodimer (40).
The cytokines, IFN-γ, IL-13, IL-15, IL-4, IL-1, IL-2 and TNF-α, also regulate the expression of CYP27B1 and vitamin D metabolism. The signaling pathways involved in this process are probably the same as those involved in regulation induced by the activation of TLRs (40,112).
Vitamin D is necessary for the antimicrobial immune response of human macrophages mediated by IFN-γ production against Mycobacterium tuberculosis as this antimicrobial response was not observed with macrophages cultured in human serum of individuals with insufficient levels of this hormone. It has been suggested that increased serum levels of vitamin D may improve the IFN-γ-mediated antimicrobial immune response of human macrophages (32).
In summary, the studies mentioned above indicate that the extrarenal synthesis of calcitriol is regulated by TLR activation and cytokine secretion. Thus, in the presence of sufficient levels of circulating vitamin D, infection by respiratory viruses, which results in recognition by TLRs and cytokine production, is able to increase calcitriol levels, possibly altering the immune response to optimize the fight against these pathogens (40).
Importantly, as previously mentioned, SARS-CoV-2 binds to ACE2 for host cell entry. Given that it acts as the viral receptor, it would be reasonable to hypothesize that the higher expression of ACE2 may be detrimental for the host (113). However, several lines of evidence indicate that ACE2 plays a critical role in counteracting ARDS and acute lung injury (113-116). In fact, the viral binding reduces ACE2 activity, which in turn increases ACE1 activity due to the disruption of the ACE2/ACE1 activity ratio, causing elevated pulmonary vasoconstriction and contributing to the severity of COVID-19 (117,118). Vitamin D has been shown to increase the expression of ACE2 in the lungs, which prevents the pulmonary vasoconstriction response in COVID-19 cases and can reduce lung injury. In this context, targeting ACE2 downregulation with vitamin D in SARS-CoV-2 infection may be a potential therapeutic approach to COVID-19 and induced ARDS (113,117-119). Further studies are warranted to confirm this hypothesis (27).
Clinical studies
Several clinical trials have indicated that vitamin D3 supplementation (1,000 or 2,000 IU/day) is effective for enhancing the efficacy of antiviral treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV) in patients with hepatitis C (120-123). Conversely, low serum concentrations of the hormone seem to be related to severe hepatic fibrosis and/or to the lower responsiveness to treatment with PEG-IFN/RBV (124,125).
In a study with 50 patients with hepatitis C treated with PEG-IFN/RBV, the authors reported that low serum levels of vitamin D were associated with negative treatment results, while supplementation with this hormone (2,000 IU/day for 24 weeks) significantly improved the viral response, defined as an undetectable serum level of viral RNA 24 weeks following the discontinuation of therapy (122). These results were later corroborated by a clinical trial with 84 patients with hepatitis C that also concluded that vitamin D supplementation (1,000 IU/day) from the eighth week until the end of treatment with PEG-IFN/RBV may increase the effects of antiviral therapy (123).
4. Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid used as a nitrogen source for rapidly-dividing cells, such as lymphocytes, in which it is critical for nucleotide synthesis and energy production (126).
T lymphocytes are activated rapidly following their interaction with pathogens, which requires high energy and biosynthetic demands (35). These augmented metabolic needs are met by increased absorption and use of glutamine, which is essential for the proliferation of these immune cells (33,35,127). In fact, the activation of naive T lymphocytes is associated with the rapid glutamine uptake, which requires the amino acid transporter ASCT2 (128). Glutamine transporters are upregulated during the activation of T lymphocytes, while a reduction in these transporters impairs the function of these immune cells (33,129).
Activated human T lymphocytes also require glutamine for the production of IFN-γ and IL-2. This compound modulates not only the proliferation of stimulated PBMCs, but also the secretion of these cytokines in a concentration-dependent manner (130), and glutamine depletion inhibits T lymphocyte proliferation, and decreases IL-2 and IFN-γ production (33,34).
When a naive CD4+ T cell is activated by antigens, the types of cytokines determine whether this cell will differentiate into an effector T lymphocyte that performs an immune response, such as a helper T helper 1 cell (Th1) or a regulatory T lymphocyte, which suppresses immune responses. Even in the presence of cytokines that normally promote the generation of Th1 cells, glutamine depletion favors the regulatory T phenotype rather than the Th1 phenotype, which is associated with the suspension of IFN-γ secretion (35). Thus, reduced glutamine availability alters the balance of the immune response to become more suppressive (35), which could impair antiviral immune responses.
Studies have demonstrated that glutamine has antiviral activity against the herpes virus (8,9). Following infection with the herpes simplex virus, glutamine-treated mice (intraperitoneal injection of 8 mg of glutamine twice daily) were shown to have lower levels of virus, higher numbers of active CD4 and CD8 cells in the spleen, and increased levels of IFN-γ in vaginal fluid at 2 and 4 days post-infection, which was associated with an improvement in the clinical signs of viral infection (8). By contrast, glutamine depletion increased the replication of herpes virus (ICP0-null mutant) in cell culture in vitro (9).
A recent study used advanced bioinformatics to identify existing therapeutic options for patients with COVID-19 (131). Two computational approaches were used to identify therapeutic agents already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that could prevent SARS-CoV-2 from entering cells via ACE2 or TMPRSS2 enzymes and that could mitigate the gene expression patterns stimulated by coronavirus. Glutathione and its precursor glutamine were ranked high by two different methods, suggesting that both justify further investigation of their potential effects against SARS-CoV-2 (131).
Clinical studies
Low plasma glutamine levels are associated with a poor clinical outcome in intensive care unit patients (132). Following trauma and surgery, there is a marked reduction in plasma and muscle glutamine concentrations and excessive differentiation of T cells towards a type 2 response. These changes contribute to the state of immunosuppression and greater susceptibility to infectious complications, such as pneumonia, sepsis and bacteremia. It has been observed that the administration of enteral nutrition enriched with glutamine in patients with severe trauma increases the plasma concentrations of the amino acid and reduces the incidence of infectious complications, in addition to improving a variety of immunological parameters (133-138).
A clinical study investigated the effects of enteral nutrition enriched with glutamine compared to a control isocaloric enteral diet on the responses of T lymphocytes during the first 2 weeks after severe traumatic injuries in 28 patients (injury severity score >20) (138). A total of 17 healthy volunteers were used as controls. On the first day, it was observed that T lymphocytes isolated from trauma patients, compared to healthy individuals, exhibited a low IFN-γ production following stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in vitro. After 2 weeks, glutamine nutrition significantly augmented the production of IFN-γ, in addition to preventing the decrease in IL-4 production by T lymphocytes stimulated in vitro. In conclusion, trauma caused the suppression of the cellular immune response, while glutamine supported the restoration of the lymphocyte response capacity by increasing IFN-γ production and maintaining normal IL-4 production (138).
Finally, a Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of 57 clinical trials evaluated the effect of glutamine supplementation in a total of 4,671 adult patients with serious diseases or undergoing major surgery. The results revealed that the risk of infectious complications in subjects who received glutamine was 21% lower (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.71 to 0.87; P<0.00001) than that in patients who did not receive glutamine. In addition, glutamine supplementation reduced the mean duration of hospitalization and the mean duration of mechanical ventilation by 3.46 (95% CI, -4.61 to -2.32; P<0.0001) and 0.69 (95% CI, -1.37 to -0.02; P=0.04) days, respectively (139).