Potential Pathways and Pathophysiological Implications of Viral Infection-Driven Activation of Kallikrein–Kinin System (KKS)

Abstract

Microcirculatory and coagulation disturbances commonly occur as pathological manifestations of systemic viral infections. Research exploring the role of the kallikrein–kinin system (KKS) in flavivirus infections has recently linked microvascular dysfunctions to bradykinin (BK)-induced signaling of B2R, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) constitutively expressed by endothelial cells. The relevance of KKS activation as an innate response to viral infections has gained increasing attention, particularly after the reports regarding thrombogenic events during COVID-19. BK receptor (B2R and B1R) signal transduction results in vascular permeability, edema formation, angiogenesis, and pain. Recent findings unveiling the role of KKS in viral pathogenesis include evidence of increased activation of KKS with elevated levels of BK and its metabolites in both intravascular and tissue milieu, as well as reports demonstrating that virus replication stimulates BKR expression. In this review, we will discuss the mechanisms triggered by virus replication and by virus-induced inflammatory responses that may stimulate KKS. We also explore how KKS activation and BK signaling may impact virus pathogenesis and further discuss the potential therapeutic application of BKR antagonists in the treatment of hemorrhagic and respiratory diseases.