Selective Kinin Receptor B2 Antagonist Icatibant Reduces SARS-CoV-2 Replication in Primary Bronchial Epithelium Early

We provide evidence that the licensed drug icatibant, a selective antagonist of kinin B2 receptor interfering with the kinin-kallikrein system, has protective effects on primary airway epithelial cells (NHBE) during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Icatibant suppresses gene expression broadly, thereby reducing the expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor ACE2 in vitro and in a murine airway inflammation model in vivo. Icatibant further impedes SARS-CoV-2 replication in NHBE and the release of infectious particles into supernatants. Primary normal bronchial epithelial cells (NHBEs) were incubated with SARS-CoV-2 and Icatibant (1nM) or Hydrocortisone (10µM).