A review on possible modes of action of chloroquine/hydroxychloroquine: repurposing against SAR-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic

•Chloroquine (CQ) has diverse modes of action against viral infections.•CQ may interfere with SARS-CoV-2 attachment to the host ACE2 receptor.•CQ may hamper the STING pathway to attenuate the pro-inflammatory response.•Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) might be a logical approach in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection.•Large clinical trials are needed before clinical recommendations of HCQ against COVID-19.