Role of the surfactant in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 infections

Nehemias Guevara MD, David Sotello MD

ABSTRACT

This article reviews the role of the surfactant in the physiopathology and development of the pulmonary disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 which is responsible for the ongoing pandemic that started in early 2020. This virus has capacity to modify the components of surfactant, and this increases its replication and dissemination. Given the important role surfactant has in antiviral host defenses and lung physiology, surfactant has been studied in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections. However, much more research is needed to understand the role of the surfactant in the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 and its potential use in treatment.

Keywords: Surfactant, COVID 19, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), pathogenesis, treatment


Article citation: Guevara N, Sotello D. Role of the surfactant in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infections. The Southwest Respiratory and Critical Care Chronicles 2022;10(43):6–10
From: Department of Internal Medicine (NG), St. Barnabas Hospital Health System, The Bronx, NY; Pulmonology and Critical Care (DS), CoxHealth, Branson, Missouri2
Submitted: 3/9/2022
Accepted: 4/9/2022
Conflicts of interest: none
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