Is haem the real target of COVID-19?

Rapozzi, Valentina; Juarranz, Angeles; Habib, Ahsan; Ihan, Alojz; Strgar, Rebeka

Although a vaccination campaign has been launched in many countries, the COVID-19 pandemic is still not under control. The main concern is the emergence of new variants of SARS-CoV-2; therefore, it is important to find new approaches to prevent or reduce the virulence and pathogenicity of the virus. Currently, the mechanism of action of SARS-CoV-2 is not fully understood. Considering the clinical effects that occur during the disease, attacking the human respiratory and hematopoietic systems, and the changes in biochemical parameters (including decreases in haemoglobin [Hb] levels and increases in serum ferritin), it is clear that iron metabolism is involved. SARS-CoV-2 induces haemolysis and interacts with Hb molecules via ACE2, CD147, CD26, and other receptors located on erythrocytes and/or blood cell precursors that produce dysfunctional Hb. A molecular docking study has reported a potential link between the virus and the beta chain of haemoglobin and attack on haem. Considering that haem is involved in miRNA processing by binding to the DCGR8-DROSHA complex, we hypothesised that the virus may check this mechanism and thwart the antiviral response.