Editor: Aigerim Akhmetova
Translator: Tursunova Balkadisha
Author: Bolysbek Dana
Hydroxychloroquine is a drug that was originally used for many years to treat malaria. It is also widely used for the treatment of patients with rheumatic diseases, as it has an immunomodulatory effect. The use of hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19 remains a topic of intense discussion and research. Major research is currently underway on its effectiveness, especially in the context of its use as a preventive measure.
With a viral infection such as the new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, a good immune system response is needed to fight the virus.
Raphael Duivenvoorden, a nephrologist at Radboud University medical center: "We studied the immune response of patients admitted to the hospital with SARS-CoV-2 infection. We noticed that a certain type of immune cell, monocytes, plays an important role in the first line of defense against coronavirus, so we investigated the effect of hydroxychloroquine on these cells."
Monocytes are large white blood cells, systems of mononuclear macrophages that can develop a non-specific immune response, the so-called"trained immunity". In this way, monocytes can contribute to better and earlier infection control. The study found that hydroxychloroquine suppresses the action of white blood cells, which are important for the first line of defense against infections.
Duivenvoorden, who coordinated the study: "We found that hydroxychloroquine prevents the development of this 'trained immune' defense mechanism. This is why we expect that hydroxychloroquine will not have a positive effect on the immune response in SARS-CoV-2.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-11-insight-effect-hydroxychloroquine-undermines-covid-.html
