An array of infections, including the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), trigger macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) and subsequently hypercytokinemia, commonly referred to as a cytokine storm (CS). It is postulated that CS is mainly responsible for critical COVID-19 cases, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Recognizing the therapeutic potential of Spirulina blue-green algae (Arthrospira platensis), in this in vitro stimulation study, LPS-activated macrophages and monocytes were treated with aqueous extracts of Spirulina, cultivated in either natural or controlled light conditions. We report that an extract of photosynthetically controlled Spirulina (LED Spirulina), at a concentration of 0.1 µg/mL, decreases macrophage and monocyte-induced TNF-α secretion levels by over 70% and 40%, respectively. We propose prompt in vivo studies in animal models and human subjects to determine the putative effectiveness of a natural, algae-based treatment for viral CS and ARDS, and explore the potential of a novel anti-TNF-α therapy.

Graphical abstract

中文翻译：

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光合控制螺旋藻（而非日晒螺旋藻）抑制 TNF-α 分泌：对 COVID-19 相关细胞因子风暴疗法的潜在影响

包括新型冠状病毒 (SARS-CoV-2) 在内的一系列感染会引发巨噬细胞激活综合征 (MAS) 以及随后的高细胞因子血症，通常称为细胞因子风暴 (CS)。据推测，CS 是导致重症 COVID-19 病例的主要原因，包括急性呼吸窘迫综合征 (ARDS)。认识到螺旋藻蓝绿藻（钝节节旋藻）的治疗潜力，在这项体外刺激研究中，用在自然或受控光照条件下培养的螺旋藻水提取物处理 LPS 激活的巨噬细胞和单核细胞。我们报道，浓度为 0.1 µg/mL 的光合控制螺旋藻 (LED Spirulina) 提取物可分别降低巨噬细胞和单核细胞诱导的 TNF-α 分泌水平超过 70% 和 40%。我们建议立即在动物模型和人类受试者中进行体内研究，以确定基于藻类的天然疗法对病毒性 CS 和 ARDS 的假定有效性，并探索新型抗 TNF-α 疗法的潜力。

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