Thanks to AI a new therapeutic target against Kovid-19?

As the Kovid-19 epidemic continues around the world almost two years later, scientists continue to study Molecular and genetic traits of patients developing severe forms of the disease. To date, scientific data do not allow us to pinpoint the reasons why some young patients without a specific health problem may develop into a complex form of the disease that requires specialized intensive care. Recently, it has become possible to highlight work jointly conducted by French and American researchers Thanks to the power of artificial intelligence, severe forms of genetic signature in young patients without comorbidity. Descriptions.

Kovid-19, a very different disease clinically

Over the weeks and months, researchers have been finding out a little more about the pathogenesis of Kovid-19. Understanding how to accurately identify patients who are developing a severe form of the disease that requires admission and intubation in intensive care, especially adolescents and patients without risk factors, is a key. Asymptomatic, mild or moderate form.

Although some comorbidities or age are clearly risk factors for developing a severe form, some young patients who do not have health problems develop unfavorably and justify invasive intensive care. However, deaths in these patients are still high today. It is therefore imperative that health care teams identify these patients well in advance to prevent the symptoms from escalating, especially respiratory symptoms.

Young patients without comorbidity, but hospitalized in intensive care

In this context, French and American researchers have used the latest methods Artificial intelligence To diagnose complex genetic traits, virological, immunological and serological 72 patients hospitalized for Kovid-19:

• Patients with severe forms and especially those with acute respiratory distress syndrome were hospitalized in intensive care (47 patients);
• Patients without severe forms were admitted to the hospital in the conventional department (25 patients).

They chose to compare patient data All are young (under 50) and without comorbidity, I.e. the risk of developing an acute form of the disease was not initially considered. Data from these patients were compared with 22 so-called healthy control patients. The analysis of the data first surprisingly confirmed that acute respiratory distress syndrome is associated with a runaway immune system – which researchers call a cytokine storm – and an exacerbated inflammatory response.

Prognostic marker or identification of a new therapeutic target?

The power of artificial intelligence has made it possible to identify a network of 600 genes involved in the evolution of the acute form of Kovid-19. Of these genes, five were reported to be particularly hypertensive in patients admitted to intensive care for acute respiratory distress syndrome. One of these genes, ADAM9 geneInteracts with SARS-CoV2. Excessive expression of this gene is directly involved in the evolution towards acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Through experiences In vitro, Researchers found it Inhibition of the ADAM9 gene is allowed in the epithelial cells of infected lungs :

• Decrease in the presence of SARS-CoV2 virus in cells;
• Reduction in virus replication.

So this gene can be formed A therapeutic goal Interesting to reduce the risk of severe forms of Kovid-19. Monoclonal antibodies targeting this gene have already been developed and are currently being tested in oncology. If their interest against Kovid-19 is confirmed, it will be possible to test them in this new reference.

Such a study has made it possible to demonstrate the true genetic signature of patients who develop severe forms of the disease, without a previous risk factor. It also demonstrated a potential therapeutic goal against the disease.

Estelle B., Doctor of Pharmacy

Sources

Pharmacist
Specialist in medical information and therapeutic patient education.
Passionate about the health and marine environment sectors.
Write credible scientific content with certified sources in accordance with our HIC Charter.