Regadenoson for the treatment of COVID-19: A five case clinical series and mouse studies.

Infused RA is safe and produces rapid anti-inflammatory effects mediated by A2A adenosine receptors on iNKT cells and possibly in part by A2ARs on other immune cells and platelets. We speculate that iNKT cells are activated by release of injury-induced glycolipid antigens and/or alarmins such as IL-33 derived from virally infected type II epithelial cells which in turn activate iNKT cells and secondarily other immune cells. Adenosine released from hypoxic tissues, or RA infused as an anti-inflammatory agent decrease proinflammatory cytokines and may be useful for treating cytokine storm in patients with Covid-19 or other inflammatory lung diseases or trauma.