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Cannabidiol Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Promotes the Host Innate Immune Response.
- Source :
-
BioRxiv : the preprint server for biology [bioRxiv] 2021 Mar 10. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Mar 10. - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- The rapid spread of COVID-19 underscores the need for new treatments. Here we report that cannabidiol (CBD), a compound produced by the cannabis plant, inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection. CBD and its metabolite, 7-OH-CBD, but not congeneric cannabinoids, potently block SARS-CoV-2 replication in lung epithelial cells. CBD acts after cellular infection, inhibiting viral gene expression and reversing many effects of SARS-CoV-2 on host gene transcription. CBD induces interferon expression and up-regulates its antiviral signaling pathway. A cohort of human patients previously taking CBD had significantly lower SARS-CoV-2 infection incidence of up to an order of magnitude relative to matched pairs or the general population. This study highlights CBD, and its active metabolite, 7-OH-CBD, as potential preventative agents and therapeutic treatments for SARS-CoV-2 at early stages of infection.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 2692-8205
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- BioRxiv : the preprint server for biology
- Accession number :
- 33758843
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.03.10.432967