Observations on the use of Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors in SAR-CoV-2 and cancer

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors, drugs utilized in cancer, are being repurposed for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) (COVID-19). Recently, BTK inhibitors acalabrutinib and ibrutinib have been found to protect against pulmonary injury in a small group of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. The high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines found in the circulation of COVID-19 patients with severe lung disease suggest the involvement of the innate immune system in this process. Understanding the potential mechanism of action of BTK inhibition in SARS-CoV-2 is clearly of importance to determine how acalabrutinib, ibrutinib and possibly other BTK inhibitors may provide protection against lung injury.

Automated summary

BTK inhibitors have been found to protect against pulmonary injury in some COVID-19 patients, possibly by reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in circulation. Understanding the potential mechanism of action of BTK inhibition in SARS-CoV-2 is crucial for determining their protective effects against lung injury.