The title of this paper does not appear to match the results. Fig. 1b @100uM shows CQ results in a ~4.5 fold decrease (on a linear scale) in extracellular virus,
p=0.05, after 24 hours (we do not see the supplementary data at this time so this is estimated from the graph). This decrease may continue if examined over longer time periods. Fig. 1a shows a ~45-50% entry inhibition @100uM for HCQ/CQ (
p=0.0005/0.0045), ~10-30% @10uM (
p=0.13/0.99). Inhibition is significantly better with Vero cells. Note that the safe concentration in practice for different cells is not well known, Keyaerts et al. find CC
50 of 261uM
[Keyaerts].
In vitro study of CQ and HCQ inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 into Vero (kidney), Vero-TMPRSS2, and Calu-3 (derived from human lung carcinoma) cells.
Authors reportedly used sodium pyruvate which may inhibit CQ from entering cells
[].
Although there are several theories on how HCQ may help with COVID-19, authors do not consider the most common theory where HCQ functions as a zinc ionophore, facilitating significant intracellular concentrations of zinc. Zinc is known to inhibit SARS-CoV RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity, and is widely thought to be important for effectiveness with SARS-CoV-2
[infezmed.it].
Calu-3 is one of many cell lines derived from human lung carcinomas
[journals.physiology.org]. Calu-3 cells resemble serous gland cells. They do not express 15-lipoxygenase, an enzyme specifically localized to the surface epithelium, but they do express secretory component, secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor, lysozyme, and lactoferrin, all markers of serous gland cells.
[journals.physiology.org] note that the absence of systemic inflammation, circulatory factors, and other paracrine systemic influences is a potential limitation of the isolated cell system.
RT-PCR is used, we note that nucleic acid may persist even after the virus is no longer viable
[fda.gov].
It is unclear how the authors conclude "CQ does not block SARS-CoV-2 infection of Calu-3" cells, when the results show statistically significant inhibition at higher concentrations.
Further, it is unclear how the authors go from these results in one specific type of pulmonary adenocarcinoma cells that resemble serous gland cells,
in vitro, into the title of the paper which claims no inhibition in lung cells.
Further, it is unclear how another leap is made to "will not be effective against COVID-19" given the multiple theories of HCQ/CQ effectiveness.
14 In Vitro studies support the efficacy of HCQ
[Andreani, Clementi, Dang, Delandre, Faísca, Hoffmann, Liu, Ou, Purwati, Sheaff, Wang, Wang (B), Yao, Yuan].
Hoffmann et al., 22 Jul 2020, peer-reviewed, 10 authors.
