Researchers Are Studying Whether Nrf2 Activators Could Be Used To Treat Viral Infections Such as COVID-19
Nrf2, or nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, is a transcription factor that plays a critical role in cellular protection and longevity. It is activated by various cellular stresses, such as oxidative stress, electrophilic stress, and inflammation. Emerging evidence from clinical practice suggests that Nrf2 signaling suppression is probably associated with COVID-19 pathogenesis. Lung biopsies from COVID-19 patients have revealed that genes involved in Nrf2 signaling are highly suppressed. Additionally, levels of Nrf2 are significantly decreased in pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, it is hypothesized that increasing Nrf2 could be a therapeutic strategy for COVID-19.
Transcription factor Nrf2 as a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19 – PMC (nih.gov)
