Embracing Imatinib: a novel approach to safeguarding the endothelial barrier in patients with COVID-19

Imatinib, an ABL tyrosine-kinase inhibitor, shows promise in restoring endothelial barrier function in patients with COVID-19, thus, preventing cytokine leakage from the alveolar compartment to the systemic compartment. COVID-19 is characterized by an alveolar cytokine storm, and imatinib has been shown to strengthen the endothelial barrier and mitigate alveolar inflammatory responses by modulating NF-κB signaling. Incorporating imatinib into COVID-19 treatment strategies offers a novel approach to safeguard the endothelial barrier and address the complex pathophysiology of the disease, including its potential implications in long COVID. Given that endothelial dysfunction plays a central role in COVID-19 progression and long COVID development, protecting the endothelial barrier during acute infection is crucial in preventing the persistent endothelial dysfunction associated with long COVID.