Just as bricks are key components in constructing a constructing, molecules often called amino acids are essential components in constructing proteins within the body. Recently, researchers in Japan investigated the role of a selected group of amino acids, often called D-amino acids, within the progression of viruses like influenza A virus (IAV) and Sars CoV-2, the virus answerable for COVID-19.

In a latest study published in BBA – Molecular Basis of Disease, the research team have uncovered a relationship between D-amino acids and severe viral infection in each animals and humans.

While our understanding of COVID-19 has evolved throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, methods to predict disease severity and treat severe COVID-19 infection have been somewhat limited. D-amino acids have been previously shown to operate as biomarkers for diseases equivalent to kidney disease. Nonetheless, the importance of D-amino acids in viral infection has not yet been explored, spurring the research team to analyze whether D-amino acids are affected during severe IAV infection or COVID-19.

We first assessed serum levels of D-amino acids in a mouse model of severe IAV infection and located that D-amino acids were greatly reduced in these mice compared with uninfected mice. Once we evaluated serum from patients with severe COVID-19, we also found reduced levels of D-amino acids in comparison with those of healthy control subjects.”

Shihoko Kimura-Ohba, lead creator of the study

The researchers next explored the results of supplementation with a particular D-amino acid often called D-alanine in mouse models of IAV infection and COVID-19. IAV mice exhibited a severe reduction in body weight that was mitigated by D-alanine treatment, while survival rates were improved in COVID-19 mice who received D-alanine treatment.

“Our results indicate that D-amino acids may function biomarkers to reflect the severity of viral infection,” says senior creator Tomonori Kimura. “Moreover, although the observed effects of D-alanine supplementation were limited, treatment with D-alanine may help to enhance clinical outcomes in patients with severe viral infection.”

The mechanism of D-alanine in the development of viral prognosis has yet to be elucidated. Nonetheless, the research team’s findings indicate that D-amino acids represent promising biomarkers and therapeutic options for the evaluation and treatment of severe viral infections, including those related to COVID-19.

Source:

Journal reference:

Kimura-Ohba, S., et al. (2022) D-Alanine as a biomarker and a therapeutic option for severe influenza virus infection and COVID-19. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Molecular Basis of Disease. doi.org/10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166584.