Abstract

Overview

Programmed cell death is crucial for the immune response to viral infections, assisting host defense mechanisms and establishing disease severity biomarkers. Electromagnetic fields (EMFs), whether natural or man-made, might impact the ecology of the SAR-CoV-2 virus and, consequently, affect hosts with COVID-19.

Findings

• The review explores how electromagnetic fields impact both innate and adaptive immune responses in humans, animal models, and in vitro settings.
• Key areas of influence include oxidative stress, inflammation, autoimmunity, and the role of intracellular calcium channels in the immunology of COVID-19.
• Non-ionizing radiation from these fields can potentially activate or dampen inflammatory responses and cell death processes associated with COVID-19.

Conclusion

This review underscores the variability in EMF research parameters, making direct comparisons challenging. However, some consistent observations include:

1. Interactions between EMF and mammalian immune systems can either enhance or inhibit inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, impacting COVID-19 outcomes.
2. EMFs may affect intracellular calcium entry, which has dual effects on inflammation and cell death, relevant to the progression towards severe COVID-19.
3. The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred advancements in understanding viral disease pathophysiology, highlighting the need for further research on EMFs' potential impacts on health.
4. Future research directions should focus on experimental models that clarify the biological effects of non-ionizing radiation on host immunity related to COVID-19.