306

COVID‐19, pulmonary mast cells, cytokine storms, and beneficial actions of luteolin

Theoharis C. Theoharides

The recent corona virus [severe acute pulmonary syndrome (SARS‐CoV‐2)] infects cells, especially in the lungs, via its spike protein binding to a receptor on the surface called Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE₂). Pulmonary mast cells express this receptor making them prime targets, following which they release a storm of pro‐inflammatory cytokines that contribute to the pathogenesis of COVID‐19, especially SARS. The natural flavonoid luteolin, as well as its structural analogues eriodictyol and quercetin (Green box and lines), can block SARS‐CoV‐2 binding and also inhibit mast cell release of cytokines. Combination of these natural molecules, preferably in olive pomace oil to increase oral bioavailability, could be useful prophylactically against COVID‐19.

306

COVID-19，肺肥大细胞，细胞因子风暴和木犀草素的有益作用

Theoharis C. Theoharides

最近的冠状病毒[严重急性肺综合症（SARS-CoV-2）]通过其刺突蛋白与表面上称为血管紧张素转换酶2（ACE ₂）的受体结合，感染细胞，尤其是在肺部。肺肥大细胞表达该受体使其成为主要靶标，随后它们释放出促炎性细胞因子的风暴，促成COVID-19（尤其是SARS）的发病机理。天然黄酮类木犀草素及其结构类似物eriodictyol和quercetin（绿色方框和线条）可以阻止SARS‐CoV‐2结合并抑制肥大细胞释放细胞因子。这些天然分子的结合，最好是在橄榄果渣油中的结合以提高口服生物利用度，可预防COVID-19。