Could the inhibition of endo-lysosomal two-pore channels (TPCs) by the natural flavonoid naringenin represent an option to fight SARS-COV-2 infection?

In the present opinion article we highlight evidence from different laboratories to drive the attention of the scientific community on the role played by endo-lysosomal Two-Pore Channels (TPCs) in viral infection. In particular, cross linking of our recent data and existing literature, we focus on evidence indicating that virus intracellular pathway could be targeted by a novel occurring TPCs inhibitor, the flavonoid Naringenin. A conceptual framework is presented for considering such a strategy as a promising approach to limit the infection mediated by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Our hypothesis offers a perspective on a novel molecular target, TPCs, which could be exploited for a pharmacological blockade of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity.