Abstract :
SARS-CoV-2 infection has led to COVID-19 outbreak worldwide. To date, a specific antiviral drug does not exist to treat the disease and control the virus. In this paper, we have explored the potential utility of alpha lipoic acid, an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant molecule, for treatment. Alpha lipoic acid exhibits strong antioxidant properties and modulates the immune system by regulating T cell activation making it a useful therapeutic candidate for cytokine storm triggering SARS-CoV-2 infection. In the present communication, we focused on the therapeutic potential of ALA with respect to its potential role on reducing the severity of symptoms and the adverse effects of other antiviral drugs used. We consider different mechanisms by which modulating ACE2 levels after virus replication and preventing cytokine storm and also focus on a new therapeutic venue that utilizes ALA Keywords: ACE2, Alpha lipoic acid, COVID-19, Cytokines, SARS-CoV-2, T cell Abbreviations Used: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, ACE2; Alpha lipoic acid, ALA; Alanine aminotransferase, ALT; Aspartate aminotransferase, AST; Dihydriolipoic acid, DHLA; Interferon-gamma, IFN-y; lnterleukin-6, IL-6; Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, MCP-1; Nuclear factor kappa B, NF-[kappa]B; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2; Tumor necrosis factor-a, TNF-[alpha] Corresponding Author: Dr. Nedime Serakinci, Famagusta Medical Hospital, Post Code: 99450, Famagusta, Cyprus; E-mail: nedimeserakinci@gmail.com