Summary
In the current mini-review, a link between G6PD deficiency, one of the most common enzymopathies, and COVID-19, a frightening pandemic, is presented. This link is based on redox homeostasis. G6PD deficiency affects many cellular immune responses such as enhanced production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 [39] and impaired inflammasome activation [110]. In addition, G6PD deficiency has been shown to enhance viral infections [9–11,85]. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, G6PD deficiency has worsened the severity of this infection [135]. Mechanistically, these abnormalities mediated by G6PD deficiency could be attributed to altered redox homeostasis. The use of alternative therapies, including vitamin C, vitamin D, and NAC as well as some existing anti-aging drugs are promising for treating COVID-19 in conjunction with a vaccine.