RESUMO
Alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), also known as oral mucus protein (ORM), is an acute phase positive protein. AGPs have various biological activities, such as drug transport, immune regulation, maintenance of capillary barrier, regulation of lipid metabolism, etc. AGP mainly exists in liver cells, but it is also expressed in other tissue cells, such as adipose tissue, brain tissue, endothelial cells and immune cells. This article mainly reviews the application of AGP in pulmonary diseases, and the role,significance and related new developments in different systemic diseases.
RESUMO
Cytokine storm and multi-organ failure are the main causes of SARS-CoV-2-related death. However, the origin of the virus excessively damaging abilities remains unknown. Here we show that the SARS-CoV-2 envelope (2-E) protein alone is sufficient to cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)-like damage in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of 2-E protein induced rapid pyroptosis-like cell death in various susceptible cells and robust secretion of cytokines and chemokines in macrophages. Intravenous administration of purified 2-E protein into mice caused ARDS-like pathological damage in lung and spleen. Overexpressed 2-E protein formed cation channels in host cell membranes, eventually leading to membrane rupture. Newly identified channel inhibitors exhibited potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and excellent protective effects against the 2-E-induced damage both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, their channel inhibition, cell protection and antiviral activities were positively correlated with each other, supporting 2-E is a promising drug target against SARS-CoV-2.