Expression of SARS-CoV-2 host cell entry factors in immune system
components of healthy individuals and its relevance for COVID-19
immunopathology
Abstract
Introduction: Intense immunological dysregulation including immune cell
lesions have been characteristically observed in severe cases of
Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19), for which molecular mechanisms are
least understood. A study of physiological expressions of SARS-CoV-2
host cell entry related factors in immune system components may help
explain molecular mechanisms involved in COVID-19 immunopathology.
Materials and Methods: Transcriptomic and proteomic expression metadata
for SARS-CoV-2 host cell entry receptor ACE2 and entry associated
proteases (TMPRSS2, CTSL, and FURIN) were analysed in silico across
immune system components including blood lineage cells. Results: ACE2
was not-detected in any of the studied immune cell components, however,
varying transcriptomic and proteomic expressions were observed, for
TMPRSS2, CTSL, and FURIN. Conclusions: Non-detectable expressions of
SARS-CoV-2 host cell entry receptor ACE2 in immune system components or
blood lineage cells indicate it doesn’t mediate immune cell lesions in
COVID-19. Alternative mechanisms need to be explored for COVID-19
immuno-pathogenesis.