The capture of host cell’s resources: The role of heat shock proteins and polyamines in SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) pathway to viral infection

Abstract The exposure of organisms and cells to unfavorable conditions such as increased temperature, antibiotics, reactive oxygen species, and viruses could lead to protein misfolding and cell death. The increased production of proteins such as heat shock proteins (HSPs) and polyamines has been linked to protein misfolding sequestration, thus maintaining, enhancing, and regulating the cellular system. For example, heat shock protein 40 (Hsp40) works hand in hand with Hsp70 and Hsp90 to successfully assist the newly synthesized proteins in folding properly. On the other hand, polyamines such as putrescine, spermidine, and spermine have been widely studied and reported to keep cells viable under harsh conditions, which are also involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and growth. Polyamines are found in all living organisms, including humans and viruses. Some organisms have developed a mechanism to hijack mammalian host cell machinery for their benefit like viruses need polyamines for infection. Therefore, the role of HSPs and polyamines in SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) viral infection, how these molecules could delay the effectiveness of the current treatment in the market, and how COVID-19 relies on the host molecules for its successful infection are reviewed.