Melatonin attenuates growth factor receptor signaling required for SARS-CoV-2 replication

Abstract

Melatonin has recently been suggested as a non-specific agent to prevent early (asymptomatic or moderate) infections with SARS-CoV-2 virus, the agent responsible for COVID-19, from developing to severe conditions requiring hospitalization. This recommendation was based on the ability of melatonin to suppress excessive inflammatory reactions and to modulate the immune system by attenuating the innate (blind and potentially harmful) response and potentiating the adaptive (selective and helpful) one. Recent data on the molecular mechanism of COVID-19 infection show that growth factor signaling is required for SARS-CoV-2 replication in the infected cells. When confronted with previously published data on the effects of melatonin on epidermal growth factor signaling, these data strongly suggest that melatonin can also act against the virus itself. Taken together, these data represent an additional argument in favor of using melatonin treatment as both a preventive and curative measure against COVID-19.