AI Article Synopsis

  • The study investigates the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on SARS-CoV-2 infection, revealing that CBD inhibits the virus's replication in both cells and mice while not being effective like other cannabinoids such as THC.
  • CBD works by acting after the virus enters host cells, blocking viral gene expression and positively influencing host gene responses, particularly enhancing the IRE1α RNase ER stress response and interferon signaling pathways.
  • In human patient data, a significant negative relationship was found between CBD use and positive COVID-19 test results, suggesting potential for CBD as a preventative measure; however, the authors advise against using non-medical forms of CBD for treatment at this time.

Article Abstract

The spread of SARS-CoV-2 and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need for new treatments. Here we report that cannabidiol (CBD) inhibits infection of SARS-CoV-2 in cells and mice. CBD and its metabolite 7-OH-CBD, but not THC or other congeneric cannabinoids tested, potently block SARS-CoV-2 replication in lung epithelial cells. CBD acts after viral entry, inhibiting viral gene expression and reversing many effects of SARS-CoV-2 on host gene transcription. CBD inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in part by up-regulating the host IRE1α RNase endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response and interferon signaling pathways. In matched groups of human patients from the National COVID Cohort Collaborative, CBD (100 mg/ml oral solution per medical records) had a significant negative association with positive SARS-CoV-2 tests. This study highlights CBD as a potential preventative agent for early-stage SARS-CoV-2 infection and merits future clinical trials. We caution against use of non-medical formulations including edibles, inhalants or topicals as a preventative or treatment therapy at the present time.

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Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.abi6110DOI Listing

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