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Sphingolipids in focus: Key to COVID-19 and new therapeutic approaches!
Researchers at JLU Gießen are analyzing sphingolipid metabolism and its influence on coronaviruses. New findings on COVID-19 therapy.
Sphingolipids in focus: Key to COVID-19 and new therapeutic approaches!
On September 10, 2025, researchers from the Justus Liebig University of Giessen and the Free University of Berlin will investigate the role of sphingolipids in the replication of coronaviruses. These viruses are known for specifically modifying infected cells in order to optimize their reproduction. A crucial aspect of this study is the formation of replication organelles inside the cells, which depends largely on sphingolipids, special building blocks of cell membranes. According to the findings, the understanding of how coronaviruses reshape the sphingolipid landscape will be significantly improved. Giessen University reports, that the metabolism of sphingolipids may open up new antiviral strategies.
The analysis shows that coronaviruses cause significant remodeling of intracellular membranes, which is crucial for the formation of replication organelles. In particular, sphingomyelinases, the enzymes responsible for breaking down sphingomyelin, play a central role in this process. These research results have been published in the journal mBio and are supported by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the Von Behring-Röntgen Foundation.
Relationship between sphingolipids and COVID-19
In addition to being important components of cell membranes, sphingolipids are critical for various steps in the life cycle of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. An investigation highlights that the interactions between sphingolipid metabolism and SARS-CoV-2 infections may influence the severity and prognosis of COVID-19. Increases in ceramides in COVID-19 patients have been observed to correlate with disease severity.
The study found that sphingolipids modulate the processes of viral entry, replication and release. Modulating sphingolipid metabolism could thus open up potential therapeutic approaches for the treatment of COVID-19. Substances such as statins and PCSK9 inhibitors, which reduce sphingolipid levels, are therefore being examined more closely in current research.
Latest findings on COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions worldwide, and the exact mechanisms remain largely unexplored. A comprehensive study examines the role of sphingolipids in relation to the severity of COVID-19. Research shows that key sphingolipids such as sphingosine, lactosylceramide and hexosylceramide are significant indicators of disease severity.
Additionally, changes in sphingolipid levels in serum and urine of COVID-19 patients were analyzed over time. Research confirms that disruption of sphingolipid metabolism is associated with COVID-19 severity and other clinical factors. These findings could not only better explain the mechanisms behind COVID-19, but also reveal possible therapeutic approaches to treating and understanding inflammatory diseases.