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Cannabidiol Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Replication and Promotes the Host Innate Immune Response

Nguyen, L. C.; Yang, D.; Nicolaescu, V.; Best, T.; Chen, S.; Friesen, J. B.; Drayman, N.; Mohamed, A.; Dann, C.; Silva, D.; Gula, H.; Jones, K. A.; Millis, J. M.; Dickinson, B. C.; Tay, S.; Oakes, S. A.; Pauli, G. F.; Meltzer, D. O.; Randall, G.; Rosner, M. R.

2021-03-10 microbiology
10.1101/2021.03.10.432967 bioRxiv
Show abstract

The rapid spread of COVID-19 underscores the need for new treatments. Here we report that cannabidiol (CBD), a compound produced by the cannabis plant, inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection. CBD and its metabolite, 7-OH-CBD, but not congeneric cannabinoids, potently block SARS-CoV-2 replication in lung epithelial cells. CBD acts after cellular infection, inhibiting viral gene expression and reversing many effects of SARS-CoV-2 on host gene transcription. CBD induces interferon expression and up-regulates its antiviral signaling pathway. A cohort of human patients previously taking CBD had significantly lower SARS-CoV-2 infection incidence of up to an order of magnitude relative to matched pairs or the general population. This study highlights CBD, and its active metabolite, 7-OH-CBD, as potential preventative agents and therapeutic treatments for SARS-CoV-2 at early stages of infection.

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