Role of Endolysosomes in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 Infection and Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pathogenesis: Implications for Potential Treatments

The document discussed the role of endolysosomes in the infection process of SARS-CoV-2 and the pathogenesis of COVID-19, emphasizing their potential as targets for therapeutic interventions. It highlighted that SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells through endocytosis, utilizing the acidic environment of endolysosomes for viral entry and replication. The study explored targeting endolysosomal pathways, such as inhibiting two-pore channels (TPCs) and maintaining the acidic nature of endolysosomes, as potential therapeutic strategies. While drugs like chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine showed in vitro effectiveness, they lacked established efficacy in patients. The document suggested that manipulating endolysosome activity could be a viable strategy to combat the virus, although de-acidification might impair immune responses.