Embracing Imatinib: a novel approach to safeguarding the endothelial barrier in patients with COVID-19

Chia Siang Kow, Dinesh Sangarran Ramachandram, Syed Shahzad Hasan

Research output: Contribution to journalLetterpeer-review

Abstract

Imatinib, an ABL tyrosine-kinase inhibitor, shows promise in restoring endothelial barrier function in patients with COVID-19, thus, preventing cytokine leakage from the alveolar compartment to the systemic compartment. COVID-19 is characterized by an alveolar cytokine storm, and imatinib has been shown to strengthen the endothelial barrier and mitigate alveolar inflammatory responses by modulating NF-κB signaling. Incorporating imatinib into COVID-19 treatment strategies offers a novel approach to safeguard the endothelial barrier and address the complex pathophysiology of the disease, including its potential implications in long COVID. Given that endothelial dysfunction plays a central role in COVID-19 progression and long COVID development, protecting the endothelial barrier during acute infection is crucial in preventing the persistent endothelial dysfunction associated with long COVID.

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages3
JournalAngiogenesis
Early online date2 Aug 2023
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 2 Aug 2023

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