51
|
Albertos-Arranz H, Martínez-Gil N, Sánchez-Sáez X, Noailles A, Monferrer Adsuara C, Remolí Sargues L, Pérez-Santonja JJ, Lax P, Calvo Andrés R, Cuenca N. Microglia activation and neuronal alterations in retinas from COVID-19 patients: correlation with clinical parameters. EYE AND VISION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 10:12. [PMID: 36855168 PMCID: PMC9974399 DOI: 10.1186/s40662-023-00329-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different ocular alterations have been described in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Our aim was to determine whether COVID-19 affected retinal cells and establish correlations with clinical parameters. METHODS Retinal sections and flat-mount retinas from human donors with COVID-19 (n = 16) and controls (n = 15) were immunostained. The location of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the morphology of microglial cells, Müller cells, astrocytes, and photoreceptors were analyzed by confocal microscopy. Microglial quantification and the area occupied by them were measured. Correlations among retinal and clinical parameters were calculated. RESULTS ACE2 was mainly located in the Müller cells, outer segment of cones and retinal pigment epithelium. Cell bodies of Müller cells in COVID-19 group showed greater staining of ACE2 and cellular retinaldehyde-binding protein (CRALBP). The 81.3% of COVID-19 patients presented disorganization of honeycomb-like pattern formed by Müller cells. Gliosis was detected in 56.3% of COVID-19 patients compared to controls (40%) as well as epiretinal membranes (ERMs) or astrocytes protruding (50%). Activated or ameboid-shape microglia was the main sign in the COVID-19 group (93.8%). Microglial migration towards the vessels was greater in the COVID-19 retinas (P < 0.05) and the area occupied by microglia was also reduced (P < 0.01) compared to control group. Cone degeneration was more severe in the COVID-19 group. Duration of the disease, age and respiratory failure were the most relevant clinical data in relation with retinal degeneration. CONCLUSIONS The retinas of patients with COVID-19 exhibit glial activation and neuronal alterations, mostly related to the inflammation, hypoxic conditions, and age.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henar Albertos-Arranz
- grid.5268.90000 0001 2168 1800Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig Road W/N, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Natalia Martínez-Gil
- grid.5268.90000 0001 2168 1800Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig Road W/N, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Xavier Sánchez-Sáez
- grid.5268.90000 0001 2168 1800Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig Road W/N, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Agustina Noailles
- grid.5268.90000 0001 2168 1800Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig Road W/N, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Clara Monferrer Adsuara
- grid.106023.60000 0004 1770 977XDepartment of Ophthalmology, General University Hospital Consortium of Valencia (CHGUV), 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Lidia Remolí Sargues
- grid.106023.60000 0004 1770 977XDepartment of Ophthalmology, General University Hospital Consortium of Valencia (CHGUV), 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan J. Pérez-Santonja
- grid.411086.a0000 0000 8875 8879Department of Ophthalmology, General University Hospital of Alicante (HGUA), 03010 Alicante, Spain ,grid.513062.30000 0004 8516 8274Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
| | - Pedro Lax
- grid.5268.90000 0001 2168 1800Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig Road W/N, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Ramón Calvo Andrés
- grid.106023.60000 0004 1770 977XDepartment of Ophthalmology, General University Hospital Consortium of Valencia (CHGUV), 46014 Valencia, Spain
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig Road W/N, 03690, Alicante, Spain. .,Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain. .,National Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), (RETICS) Cooperative Health Network for Research in Ophthalmology (Oftared), 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Norris EG, Pan XS, Hocking DC. Receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 is a functional αv-integrin agonist. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:102922. [PMID: 36669646 PMCID: PMC9846890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.102922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the novel mutations distinguishing SARS-CoV-2 from similar coronaviruses is a K403R substitution in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike (S) protein within its S1 region. This amino acid substitution occurs near the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2-binding interface and gives rise to a canonical RGD adhesion motif that is often found in native extracellular matrix proteins, including fibronectin. Here, the ability of recombinant S1-RBD to bind to cell surface integrins and trigger downstream signaling pathways was assessed and compared with RGD-containing, integrin-binding fragments of fibronectin. We determined that S1-RBD supported adhesion of fibronectin-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts as well as primary human small airway epithelial cells, while RBD-coated microparticles attached to epithelial monolayers in a cation-dependent manner. Cell adhesion to S1-RBD was RGD dependent and inhibited by blocking antibodies against αv and β3 but not α5 or β1 integrins. Similarly, we observed direct binding of S1-RBD to recombinant human αvβ3 and αvβ6 integrins, but not α5β1 integrins, using surface plasmon resonance. S1-RBD adhesion initiated cell spreading, focal adhesion formation, and actin stress fiber organization to a similar extent as fibronectin. Moreover, S1-RBD stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of the adhesion mediators FAK, Src, and paxillin; triggered Akt activation; and supported cell proliferation. Thus, the RGD sequence of S1-RBD can function as an αv-selective integrin agonist. This study provides evidence that cell surface αv-containing integrins can respond functionally to spike protein and raises the possibility that S1-mediated dysregulation of extracellular matrix dynamics may contribute to the pathogenesis and/or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma G Norris
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Xuan Sabrina Pan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Denise C Hocking
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Tillman TS, Chen Q, Bondarenko V, Coleman JA, Xu Y, Tang P. SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Downregulates Cell Surface α7nAChR through a Helical Motif in the Spike Neck. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:689-698. [PMID: 36745901 PMCID: PMC9923440 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A deficiency of the functional α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) impairs neuronal and immune systems. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S12) facilitates virus cell entry during COVID-19 infection and can also independently disrupt cellular functions. Here, we found that S12 expression significantly downregulated surface expression of α7nAChR in mammalian cells. A helical segment of S12 (L1145-L1152) in the spike neck was identified to be responsible for the downregulation of α7nAChR, as the mutant S12AAA (L1145A-F1148A-L1152A) had minimal effects on surface α7nAChR expression. This S12 segment is homologous to the α7nAChR intracellular helical motif known for binding chaperone proteins RIC3 and Bcl-2 to promote α7nAChR surface expression. Competition from S12 for binding these proteins likely underlies suppression of surface α7nAChR. Considering the critical roles of α7nAChR in cellular functions, these findings provide a new perspective for improving mRNA vaccines and developing treatment options for certain symptoms related to long COVID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tommy S Tillman
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Qiang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Vasyl Bondarenko
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Jonathan A Coleman
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Pei Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| |
Collapse
|
54
|
Clancy J, Hoffmann CS, Pickett BE. Transcriptomics secondary analysis of severe human infection with SARS-CoV-2 identifies gene expression changes and predicts three transcriptional biomarkers in leukocytes. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:1403-1413. [PMID: 36785619 PMCID: PMC9908618 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of COVID-19, which has greatly affected human health since it first emerged. Defining the human factors and biomarkers that differentiate severe SARS-CoV-2 infection from mild infection has become of increasing interest to clinicians. To help address this need, we retrieved 269 public RNA-seq human transcriptome samples from GEO that had qualitative disease severity metadata. We then subjected these samples to a robust RNA-seq data processing workflow to calculate gene expression in PBMCs, whole blood, and leukocytes, as well as to predict transcriptional biomarkers in PBMCs and leukocytes. This process involved using Salmon for read mapping, edgeR to calculate significant differential expression levels, and gene ontology enrichment using Camera. We then performed a random forest machine learning analysis on the read counts data to identify genes that best classified samples based on the COVID-19 severity phenotype. This approach produced a ranked list of leukocyte genes based on their Gini values that includes TGFBI, TTYH2, and CD4, which are associated with both the immune response and inflammation. Our results show that these three genes can potentially classify samples with severe COVID-19 with accuracy of ∼88% and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 92.6--indicating acceptable specificity and sensitivity. We expect that our findings can help contribute to the development of improved diagnostics that may aid in identifying severe COVID-19 cases, guide clinical treatment, and improve mortality rates.
Collapse
|
55
|
Bellavite P, Ferraresi A, Isidoro C. Immune Response and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiovascular Adverse Effects of Spike Proteins from SARS-CoV-2 and mRNA Vaccines. Biomedicines 2023; 11:451. [PMID: 36830987 PMCID: PMC9953067 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 disease) uses the Spike proteins of its envelope for infecting target cells expressing on the membrane the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) enzyme that acts as a receptor. To control the pandemic, genetically engineered vaccines have been designed for inducing neutralizing antibodies against the Spike proteins. These vaccines do not act like traditional protein-based vaccines, as they deliver the message in the form of mRNA or DNA to host cells that then produce and expose the Spike protein on the membrane (from which it can be shed in soluble form) to alert the immune system. Mass vaccination has brought to light various adverse effects associated with these genetically based vaccines, mainly affecting the circulatory and cardiovascular system. ACE2 is present as membrane-bound on several cell types, including the mucosa of the upper respiratory and of the gastrointestinal tracts, the endothelium, the platelets, and in soluble form in the plasma. The ACE2 enzyme converts the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II into peptides with vasodilator properties. Here we review the pathways for immunization and the molecular mechanisms through which the Spike protein, either from SARS-CoV-2 or encoded by the mRNA-based vaccines, interferes with the Renin-Angiotensin-System governed by ACE2, thus altering the homeostasis of the circulation and of the cardiovascular system. Understanding the molecular interactions of the Spike protein with ACE2 and the consequent impact on cardiovascular system homeostasis will direct the diagnosis and therapy of the vaccine-related adverse effects and provide information for development of a personalized vaccination that considers pathophysiological conditions predisposing to such adverse events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Ferraresi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Ciro Isidoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Frasca L, Ocone G, Palazzo R. Safety of COVID-19 Vaccines in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases, in Patients with Cardiac Issues, and in the Healthy Population. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020233. [PMID: 36839505 PMCID: PMC9964607 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a challenge for the whole world since the beginning of 2020, and COVID-19 vaccines were considered crucial for disease eradication. Instead of producing classic vaccines, some companies pointed to develop products that mainly function by inducing, into the host, the production of the antigenic protein of SARS-CoV-2 called Spike, injecting an instruction based on RNA or a DNA sequence. Here, we aim to give an overview of the safety profile and the actual known adverse effects of these products in relationship with their mechanism of action. We discuss the use and safety of these products in at-risk people, especially those with autoimmune diseases or with previously reported myocarditis, but also in the general population. We debate the real necessity of administering these products with unclear long-term effects to at-risk people with autoimmune conditions, as well as to healthy people, at the time of omicron variants. This, considering the existence of therapeutic interventions, much more clearly assessed at present compared to the past, and the relatively lower aggressive nature of the new viral variants.
Collapse
|
57
|
Bugatti A, Filippini F, Messali S, Giovanetti M, Ravelli C, Zani A, Ciccozzi M, Caruso A, Caccuri F. The D405N Mutation in the Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 Inhibits Spike/Integrins Interaction and Viral Infection of Human Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cells. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020332. [PMID: 36851546 PMCID: PMC9962894 DOI: 10.3390/v15020332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe COVID-19 is characterized by angiogenic features, such as intussusceptive angiogenesis, endothelialitis, and activation of procoagulant pathways. This pathological state can be ascribed to a direct SARS-CoV-2 infection of human lung ECs. Recently, we showed the capability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect ACE2-negative primary human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HL-mECs). This occurred through the interaction of an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif, endowed on the Spike protein at position 403-405, with αvβ3 integrin expressed on HL-mECs. HL-mEC infection promoted the remodeling of cells toward a pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic phenotype. The RGD motif is distinctive of SARS-CoV-2 Spike proteins up to the Omicron BA.1 subvariant. Suddenly, a dominant D405N mutation was expressed on the Spike of the most recently emerged Omicron BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5 subvariants. Here we demonstrate that the D405N mutation inhibits Omicron BA.5 infection of HL-mECs and their dysfunction because of the lack of Spike/integrins interaction. The key role of ECs in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis has been definitively proven. Evidence of mutations retrieving the capability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect HL-mECs highlights a new scenario for patients infected with the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants, suggesting that they may display less severe disease manifestations than those observed with previous variants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Bugatti
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Federica Filippini
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Serena Messali
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marta Giovanetti
- Laboratório de Flavivirus, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Department of Science and Technology for Humans and the Environment, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Cosetta Ravelli
- Section of General Pathology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Zani
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Arnaldo Caruso
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Francesca Caccuri
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-030-3995650
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Gambardella J, Kansakar U, Sardu C, Messina V, Jankauskas SS, Marfella R, Maggi P, Wang X, Mone P, Paolisso G, Sorriento D, Santulli G. Exosomal miR-145 and miR-885 Regulate Thrombosis in COVID-19. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 384:109-115. [PMID: 35772782 PMCID: PMC9827505 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
We hypothesized that exosomal microRNAs could be implied in the pathogenesis of thromboembolic complications in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We isolated circulating exosomes from patients with COVID-19, and then we divided our population in two arms based on the D-dimer level on hospital admission. We observed that exosomal miR-145 and miR-885 significantly correlate with D-dimer levels. Moreover, we demonstrate that human endothelial cells express the main cofactors needed for the internalization of the "Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2" (SARS-CoV-2), including angiotensin converting enzyme 2, transmembrane protease serine 2, and CD-147. Interestingly, human endothelial cells treated with serum from COVID-19 patients release significantly less miR-145 and miR-885, exhibit increased apoptosis, and display significantly impaired angiogenetic properties compared with cells treated with non-COVID-19 serum. Taken together, our data indicate that exosomal miR-145 and miR-885 are essential in modulating thromboembolic events in COVID-19. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This work demonstrates for the first time that two specific microRNAs (namely miR-145 and miR-885) contained in circulating exosomes are functionally involved in thromboembolic events in COVID-19. These findings are especially relevant to the general audience when considering the emerging prominence of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 systemic manifestations known as Long COVID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gambardella
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute (J.G., U.K., S.S.J., X.W., P.Mo.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (INI), Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Aging Research (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., D.S., G.S.); Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (C.S., R.M., P. Ma., G.P.), and Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine (P.Ma.) University of Campania, Naples, Italy; Infectious Disease Unit, "Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano" Hospital, Caserta, Italy (V.M.)
| | - Urna Kansakar
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute (J.G., U.K., S.S.J., X.W., P.Mo.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (INI), Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Aging Research (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., D.S., G.S.); Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (C.S., R.M., P. Ma., G.P.), and Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine (P.Ma.) University of Campania, Naples, Italy; Infectious Disease Unit, "Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano" Hospital, Caserta, Italy (V.M.)
| | - Celestino Sardu
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute (J.G., U.K., S.S.J., X.W., P.Mo.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (INI), Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Aging Research (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., D.S., G.S.); Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (C.S., R.M., P. Ma., G.P.), and Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine (P.Ma.) University of Campania, Naples, Italy; Infectious Disease Unit, "Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano" Hospital, Caserta, Italy (V.M.)
| | - Vincenzo Messina
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute (J.G., U.K., S.S.J., X.W., P.Mo.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (INI), Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Aging Research (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., D.S., G.S.); Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (C.S., R.M., P. Ma., G.P.), and Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine (P.Ma.) University of Campania, Naples, Italy; Infectious Disease Unit, "Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano" Hospital, Caserta, Italy (V.M.)
| | - Stanislovas S Jankauskas
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute (J.G., U.K., S.S.J., X.W., P.Mo.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (INI), Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Aging Research (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., D.S., G.S.); Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (C.S., R.M., P. Ma., G.P.), and Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine (P.Ma.) University of Campania, Naples, Italy; Infectious Disease Unit, "Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano" Hospital, Caserta, Italy (V.M.)
| | - Raffaele Marfella
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute (J.G., U.K., S.S.J., X.W., P.Mo.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (INI), Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Aging Research (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., D.S., G.S.); Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (C.S., R.M., P. Ma., G.P.), and Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine (P.Ma.) University of Campania, Naples, Italy; Infectious Disease Unit, "Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano" Hospital, Caserta, Italy (V.M.)
| | - Paolo Maggi
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute (J.G., U.K., S.S.J., X.W., P.Mo.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (INI), Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Aging Research (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., D.S., G.S.); Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (C.S., R.M., P. Ma., G.P.), and Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine (P.Ma.) University of Campania, Naples, Italy; Infectious Disease Unit, "Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano" Hospital, Caserta, Italy (V.M.)
| | - Xujun Wang
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute (J.G., U.K., S.S.J., X.W., P.Mo.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (INI), Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Aging Research (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., D.S., G.S.); Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (C.S., R.M., P. Ma., G.P.), and Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine (P.Ma.) University of Campania, Naples, Italy; Infectious Disease Unit, "Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano" Hospital, Caserta, Italy (V.M.)
| | - Pasquale Mone
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute (J.G., U.K., S.S.J., X.W., P.Mo.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (INI), Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Aging Research (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., D.S., G.S.); Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (C.S., R.M., P. Ma., G.P.), and Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine (P.Ma.) University of Campania, Naples, Italy; Infectious Disease Unit, "Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano" Hospital, Caserta, Italy (V.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Paolisso
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute (J.G., U.K., S.S.J., X.W., P.Mo.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (INI), Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Aging Research (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., D.S., G.S.); Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (C.S., R.M., P. Ma., G.P.), and Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine (P.Ma.) University of Campania, Naples, Italy; Infectious Disease Unit, "Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano" Hospital, Caserta, Italy (V.M.)
| | - Daniela Sorriento
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute (J.G., U.K., S.S.J., X.W., P.Mo.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (INI), Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Aging Research (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., D.S., G.S.); Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (C.S., R.M., P. Ma., G.P.), and Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine (P.Ma.) University of Campania, Naples, Italy; Infectious Disease Unit, "Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano" Hospital, Caserta, Italy (V.M.)
| | - Gaetano Santulli
- Department of Medicine, Wilf Family Cardiovascular Research Institute (J.G., U.K., S.S.J., X.W., P.Mo.) and Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Einstein-Sinai Diabetes Research Center (ES-DRC), Institute for Neuroimmunology and Inflammation (INI), Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism (FIDAM), Einstein Institute for Aging Research (G.S.), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, New York; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, International Translational Research and Medical Education (ITME) Consortium, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy (J.G., D.S., G.S.); Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences (C.S., R.M., P. Ma., G.P.), and Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine (P.Ma.) University of Campania, Naples, Italy; Infectious Disease Unit, "Sant'Anna and San Sebastiano" Hospital, Caserta, Italy (V.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
59
|
Biering SB, Gomes de Sousa FT, Tjang LV, Pahmeier F, Zhu C, Ruan R, Blanc SF, Patel TS, Worthington CM, Glasner DR, Castillo-Rojas B, Servellita V, Lo NTN, Wong MP, Warnes CM, Sandoval DR, Clausen TM, Santos YA, Fox DM, Ortega V, Näär AM, Baric RS, Stanley SA, Aguilar HC, Esko JD, Chiu CY, Pak JE, Beatty PR, Harris E. SARS-CoV-2 Spike triggers barrier dysfunction and vascular leak via integrins and TGF-β signaling. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7630. [PMID: 36494335 PMCID: PMC9734751 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34910-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe COVID-19 is associated with epithelial and endothelial barrier dysfunction within the lung as well as in distal organs. While it is appreciated that an exaggerated inflammatory response is associated with barrier dysfunction, the triggers of vascular leak are unclear. Here, we report that cell-intrinsic interactions between the Spike (S) glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 and epithelial/endothelial cells are sufficient to induce barrier dysfunction in vitro and vascular leak in vivo, independently of viral replication and the ACE2 receptor. We identify an S-triggered transcriptional response associated with extracellular matrix reorganization and TGF-β signaling. Using genetic knockouts and specific inhibitors, we demonstrate that glycosaminoglycans, integrins, and the TGF-β signaling axis are required for S-mediated barrier dysfunction. Notably, we show that SARS-CoV-2 infection caused leak in vivo, which was reduced by inhibiting integrins. Our findings offer mechanistic insight into SARS-CoV-2-triggered vascular leak, providing a starting point for development of therapies targeting COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Scott B Biering
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | | | - Laurentia V Tjang
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Felix Pahmeier
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Chi Zhu
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Richard Ruan
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Sophie F Blanc
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Trishna S Patel
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | - Dustin R Glasner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF-Abbott Viral Diagnostics and Discovery Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bryan Castillo-Rojas
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Venice Servellita
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF-Abbott Viral Diagnostics and Discovery Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas T N Lo
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Marcus P Wong
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Colin M Warnes
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Daniel R Sandoval
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Mandel Clausen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yale A Santos
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF-Abbott Viral Diagnostics and Discovery Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Douglas M Fox
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Victoria Ortega
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Anders M Näär
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Ralph S Baric
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sarah A Stanley
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Hector C Aguilar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Esko
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Charles Y Chiu
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF-Abbott Viral Diagnostics and Discovery Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John E Pak
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - P Robert Beatty
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Eva Harris
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Bispo ECI, Silva-Carvalho AÉ, Sousa MRR, Neves FDAR, Carvalho JL, Arganaraz ER, Saldanha-Araujo F. Differential peripheral blood mononuclear cell reactivity against SARS-CoV-2 proteins in naïve and previously infected subjects following COVID-19 vaccination. CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:172-176. [PMID: 38013967 PMCID: PMC9714124 DOI: 10.1016/j.clicom.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The decline in vaccine efficacy and the risk of reinfection by SARS-CoV-2 make new studies important to better characterize the immune response against the virus and its components. Here, we investigated the pattern of activation of T-cells and the expression of inflammatory factors by PBMCs obtained from naïve and previously infected subjects following COVID-19 vaccination, after PBMCs stimulation with S1, RBD, and N-RBD SARS-CoV-2 proteins. PBMCs showed low levels of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 transcripts, which were not modulated by the exposure of these cells to SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Compared to S1 and RBD, N-RBD stimulation showed a greater ability to stimulate T-cell reactivity, according to CD25 and CD69 markers. Interestingly, T-cell reactivity was more pronounced in vaccinated subjects with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection than in vaccinated donors who never had been diagnosed with COVID-19. Finally, N-RBD stimulation promoted greater expression of IL-6 and IFN-γ in PBMCs, which reinforces the greater immunogenic potential of this protein in the vaccinated subjects. These data suggest that PBMCs from previously infected and vaccinated subjects are more reactive than those derived from just vaccinated donors. Moreover, the N-RBD together viral proteins showed a greater stimulatory capacity than S1 and RBD viral proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabete Cristina Iseke Bispo
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-Tronco, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brasil
| | - Amandda Évelin Silva-Carvalho
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-Tronco, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brasil
| | - Marielly Reis Resende Sousa
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-Tronco, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brasil
| | - Francisco de Assis Rocha Neves
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brasil
| | - Juliana Lott Carvalho
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Biociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brasil
| | - Enrique Roberto Arganaraz
- Laboratório de Virologia Molecular, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brasil
| | - Felipe Saldanha-Araujo
- Laboratório de Hematologia e Células-Tronco, Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade de Brasília, Campus Darcy Ribeiro, Av. L2 Norte, Brasília, DF 70.910-900, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Dierckx W, De Backer W, Lins M, De Meyer Y, Ides K, Vandevenne J, De Backer J, Franck E, Lavon BR, Lanclus M, Thillai M. CT-derived measurements of pulmonary blood volume in small vessels and the need for supplemental oxygen in COVID-19 patients. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2022; 133:1295-1299. [PMID: 36269576 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00458.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, a portion of those affected have evolved toward acute hypoxic respiratory failure. Initially, this was hypothesized to result from acute lung injury leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In previous research, a novel quantitative CT post-processing technique was described to quantify the volume of blood contained within pulmonary blood vessels of a given size. We hypothesized that patients with lower BV5 blood flow would have higher supplemental oxygen needs and less favorable arterial blood gas profiles. From the initial data analysis, 111 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were retrospectively selected based on the availability of CT scans of the lungs with a slice thickness of 1.5 mm or less, as well as PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV2 infection. Three-dimensional (3-D) reconstructions of the lungs and pulmonary vasculature were created. Further analysis was performed on 50 patients. Patients were divided into groups based on their need for oxygen at the time of CT scan acquisition. Eighteen out of 50 patients needed >2 L/min supplemental oxygen and this group demonstrated a significantly lower median percentage of total blood flow in the BV5 vessels compared with the 32 patients who needed <2 L/min supplemental oxygen (41.61% vs. 46.89%, P = 0.023). Both groups had significantly less blood as a proportion in BV5 vessels compared with healthy volunteers. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that reduced blood volume within small (BV5) pulmonary vessels is associated with higher needs for supplemental oxygen and more severe gas exchange anomalies in COVID-19 infections.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This research provides, by using new imaging analysis on CT imaging, an insight into the pathophysiology of patients with COVID-19 infection. By visualizing and quantifying the blood in small vessels in the lung, we can link these results to the clinical need for oxygen in patients with COVID-19 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wendel Dierckx
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Fluidda NV, Kontich, Belgium.,Multidisciplinary praxis Medimprove, Kontich, Belgium
| | - Wilfried De Backer
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Multidisciplinary praxis Medimprove, Kontich, Belgium
| | - Muriel Lins
- General Hospital Sint-Maarten, Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Yinka De Meyer
- Fluidda NV, Kontich, Belgium.,Multidisciplinary praxis Medimprove, Kontich, Belgium
| | - Kris Ides
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Engineering, Cosys Labs, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Multidisciplinary praxis Medimprove, Kontich, Belgium
| | - Jan Vandevenne
- Department of Radiology, Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg, Genk, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Hasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | | | - Erik Franck
- Centre for Research and Innovation in Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - Muhunthan Thillai
- Interstitial Lung Disease Unit, Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Kanaji T, Morodomi Y, Kanaji S. Circulating immune cells with megakaryocyte signature in response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccination. Thromb Res 2022; 220:1-4. [PMID: 36252321 PMCID: PMC9534785 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Taisuke Kanaji
- Department of Molecular Medicine, MERU-Roon Research Center on Vascular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States of America.
| | - Yosuke Morodomi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, MERU-Roon Research Center on Vascular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Sachiko Kanaji
- Department of Molecular Medicine, MERU-Roon Research Center on Vascular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Suprewicz Ł, Tran KA, Piktel E, Fiedoruk K, Janmey PA, Galie PA, Bucki R. Recombinant human plasma gelsolin reverses increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier induced by the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:282. [PMID: 36434734 PMCID: PMC9694610 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02642-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plasma gelsolin (pGSN) is an important part of the blood actin buffer that prevents negative consequences of possible F-actin deposition in the microcirculation and has various functions during host immune response. Recent reports reveal that severe COVID-19 correlates with reduced levels of pGSN. Therefore, using an in vitro system, we investigated whether pGSN could attenuate increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) during its exposure to the portion of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein containing the receptor binding domain (S1 subunit). MATERIALS AND METHODS Two- and three-dimensional models of the human BBB were constructed using the human cerebral microvascular endothelial cell line hCMEC/D3 and exposed to physiologically relevant shear stress to mimic perfusion in the central nervous system (CNS). Trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) as well as immunostaining and Western blotting of tight junction (TJ) proteins assessed barrier integrity in the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and pGSN. The IncuCyte Live Imaging system evaluated the motility of the endothelial cells. Magnetic bead-based ELISA was used to determine cytokine secretion. Additionally, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed gene expression of proteins from signaling pathways that are associated with the immune response. RESULTS pGSN reversed S1-induced BBB permeability in both 2D and 3D BBB models in the presence of shear stress. BBB models exposed to pGSN also exhibited attenuated pro-inflammatory signaling pathways (PI3K, AKT, MAPK, NF-κB), reduced cytokine secretion (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α), and increased expression of proteins that form intercellular TJ (ZO-1, occludin, claudin-5). CONCLUSION Due to its anti-inflammatory and protective effects on the brain endothelium, pGSN has the potential to be an alternative therapeutic target for patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially those suffering neurological complications of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Suprewicz
- grid.48324.390000000122482838Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
| | - Kiet A. Tran
- grid.262671.60000 0000 8828 4546Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028 USA
| | - Ewelina Piktel
- grid.48324.390000000122482838Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Fiedoruk
- grid.48324.390000000122482838Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
| | - Paul A. Janmey
- grid.25879.310000 0004 1936 8972Department of Physiology and Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Peter A. Galie
- grid.262671.60000 0000 8828 4546Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ 08028 USA
| | - Robert Bucki
- grid.48324.390000000122482838Department of Medical Microbiology and Nanobiomedical Engineering, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
Sharma S, Tyagi T, Antoniak S. Platelet in thrombo-inflammation: Unraveling new therapeutic targets. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1039843. [PMID: 36451834 PMCID: PMC9702553 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1039843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the broad range of human diseases, thrombo-inflammation appears as a clinical manifestation. Clinically, it is well characterized in context of superficial thrombophlebitis that is recognized as thrombosis and inflammation of superficial veins. However, it is more hazardous when developed in the microvasculature of injured/inflamed/infected tissues and organs. Several diseases like sepsis and ischemia-reperfusion can cause formation of microvascular thrombosis subsequently leading to thrombo-inflammation. Thrombo-inflammation can also occur in cases of antiphospholipid syndrome, preeclampsia, sickle cell disease, bacterial and viral infection. One of the major contributors to thrombo-inflammation is the loss of normal anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory potential of the endothelial cells of vasculature. This manifest itself in the form of dysregulation of the coagulation pathway and complement system, pathologic platelet activation, and increased recruitment of leukocyte within the microvasculature. The role of platelets in hemostasis and formation of thrombi under pathologic and non-pathologic conditions is well established. Platelets are anucleate cells known for their essential role in primary hemostasis and the coagulation pathway. In recent years, studies provide strong evidence for the critical involvement of platelets in inflammatory processes like acute ischemic stroke, and viral infections like Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This has encouraged the researchers to investigate the contribution of platelets in the pathology of various thrombo-inflammatory diseases. The inhibition of platelet surface receptors or their intracellular signaling which mediate initial platelet activation and adhesion might prove to be suitable targets in thrombo-inflammatory disorders. Thus, the present review summarizes the concept and mechanism of platelet signaling and briefly discuss their role in sterile and non-sterile thrombo-inflammation, with the emphasis on role of platelets in COVID-19 induced thrombo-inflammation. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent developments in deciphering the role of the platelets in thrombo-inflammation and discuss their potential as pharmaceutical targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Swati Sharma
- UNC Blood Research Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Tarun Tyagi
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Silvio Antoniak
- UNC Blood Research Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
65
|
Therapeutic Targeting of NF-κB in Acute Lung Injury: A Double-Edged Sword. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203317. [PMID: 36291185 PMCID: PMC9601210 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) is a devastating disease that can be caused by a variety of conditions including pneumonia, sepsis, trauma, and most recently, COVID-19. Although our understanding of the mechanisms of ALI/ARDS pathogenesis and resolution has considerably increased in recent years, the mortality rate remains unacceptably high (~40%), primarily due to the lack of effective therapies for ALI/ARDS. Dysregulated inflammation, as characterized by massive infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) into the airspace and the associated damage of the capillary-alveolar barrier leading to pulmonary edema and hypoxemia, is a major hallmark of ALI/ARDS. Endothelial cells (ECs), the inner lining of blood vessels, are important cellular orchestrators of PMN infiltration in the lung. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) plays an essential role in rendering the endothelium permissive for PMN adhesion and transmigration to reach the inflammatory site. Thus, targeting NF-κB in the endothelium provides an attractive approach to mitigate PMN-mediated vascular injury, not only in ALI/ARDS, but in other inflammatory diseases as well in which EC dysfunction is a major pathogenic mechanism. This review discusses the role and regulation of NF-κB in the context of EC inflammation and evaluates the potential and problems of targeting it as a therapy for ALI/ARDS.
Collapse
|
66
|
Endothelial Dysfunction in COVID-19: Potential Mechanisms and Possible Therapeutic Options. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12101605. [PMID: 36295042 PMCID: PMC9604693 DOI: 10.3390/life12101605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus found in Wuhan (China) at the end of 2019, is the etiological agent of the current pandemic that is a heterogeneous disease, named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 affects primarily the lungs, but it can induce multi-organ involvement such as acute myocardial injury, myocarditis, thromboembolic eventsandrenal failure. Hypertension, chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus and obesity increase the risk of severe complications of COVID-19. There is no certain explanation for this systemic COVID-19 involvement, but it could be related to endothelial dysfunction, due to direct (endothelial cells are infected by the virus) and indirect damage (systemic inflammation) factors. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), expressed in human endothelium, has a fundamental role in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. In fact, ACE2 is used as a receptor by SARS-CoV-2, leading to the downregulation of these receptors on endothelial cells; once inside, this virus reduces the integrity of endothelial tissue, with exposure of prothrombotic molecules, platelet adhesion, activation of coagulation cascades and, consequently, vascular damage. Systemic microangiopathy and thromboembolism can lead to multi-organ failure with an elevated risk of death. Considering the crucial role of the immunological response and endothelial damage in developing the severe form of COVID-19, in this review, we will attempt to clarify the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms.
Collapse
|
67
|
Presti EL, Nuzzo D, Al Mahmeed W, Al-Rasadi K, Al-Alawi K, Banach M, Banerjee Y, Ceriello A, Cesur M, Cosentino F, Firenze A, Galia M, Goh SY, Janez A, Kalra S, Kapoor N, Kempler P, Lessan N, Lotufo P, Papanas N, Rizvi AA, Sahebkar A, Santos RD, Stoian AP, Toth PP, Viswanathan V, Rizzo M. Molecular and pro-inflammatory aspects of COVID-19: The impact on cardiometabolic health. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166559. [PMID: 36174875 PMCID: PMC9510069 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), hypertension (HTN), and Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) often cluster together as “Cardiometabolic Disease” (CMD). Just under 50% of patients with CMD increased the risk of morbidity and mortality right from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic as it has been reported in most countries affected by the SARS-CoV2 virus. One of the pathophysiological hallmarks of COVID-19 is the overactivation of the immune system with a prominent IL-6 response, resulting in severe and systemic damage involving also cytokines such as IL2, IL4, IL8, IL10, and interferon-gamma were considered strong predictors of COVID-19 severity. Thus, in this mini-review, we try to describe the inflammatory state, the alteration of the adipokine profile, and cytokine production in the obese state of infected and not infected patients by SARS-CoV2 with the final aim to find possible influences of COVID-19 on CMD and CVD. The immunological-based discussion of the molecular processes could inspire the study of promising targets for managing CMD patients and its complications during COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lo Presti
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
| | - Domenico Nuzzo
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Palermo, Italy
| | - Wael Al Mahmeed
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Kamila Al-Alawi
- Department of Training and Studies, Royal Hospital, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz (MUL), Poland; Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI), Lodz, Poland; Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, Poland
| | - Yajnavalka Banerjee
- Department of Biochemistry, Mohamed Bin Rashid University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Mustafa Cesur
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Ankara Güven Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Francesco Cosentino
- Unit of Cardiology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, University of Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alberto Firenze
- Unit of Research and International Cooperation, University Hospital of Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Galia
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (Bind), University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Su-Yen Goh
- Department of Endocrinology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Andrej Janez
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sanjay Kalra
- Department of Endocrinology, Bharti Hospital & BRIDE, Karnal, India
| | - Nitin Kapoor
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter Kempler
- Department of Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nader Lessan
- The Research Institute, Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Paulo Lotufo
- Center for Clinical and Epidemiological Research, University Hospital, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nikolaos Papanas
- Diabetes Center, Second Department of Internal Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ali A Rizvi
- Department of Medicine, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Raul D Santos
- Heart Institute (InCor) University of Sao Paulo Medical School Hospital, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anca P Stoian
- Faculty of Medicine, Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, Carol Davila University, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Peter P Toth
- Cicarrone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Manfredi Rizzo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (Promise), University of Palermo, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
68
|
Federico M. How Do Anti-SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccines Protect from Severe Disease? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:10374. [PMID: 36142284 PMCID: PMC9499329 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pathogenesis develops in two phases. First, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 spreads within the epithelial cells of the mucosa of upper and, possibly, lower respiratory tracts. While the virus dissemination can be controlled by an emerging adaptive host immune response, if the virus diffuses to the pulmonary alveoli, a potentially lethal mechanism can arise in the second phase. It consists of an uncontrolled burst of cytokines/inflammatory factors (i.e., cytokine storm), leading to the insurgence of respiratory symptoms and, consequently, multi-organ failures. Messenger (m)RNA-based vaccines represent the most innovative approach in terms of prophylaxis against SARS-CoV-2-induced disease. The cumulating data indicate that the response to mRNA vaccines is basically ineffective to counteract the viral replication in the upper respiratory tracts, while showing efficacy in containing the development of severe disease. Considering that the antiviral immunity elicited by intramuscularly delivered mRNA vaccines is expected to show similar quantitative and qualitative features in upper and lower respiratory tracts, the different outcomes appear surprising and deserve accurate consideration. In this review, a still unexplored mechanism accounting for the mRNA vaccine effect against severe disease is proposed. Based on well-established experimental evidence, a possible inhibitory effect on alveolar macrophages as a consequence of the diffusion of the extracellular and/or cell-associated Spike protein can be envisioned as a key event counteracting the cytokine storm. This benefit, however, may be associated with defects in the immune functions of macrophages in other tissues whose possible consequences deserve careful evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Federico
- National Center for Global Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
69
|
miR-142 Targets TIM-1 in Human Endothelial Cells: Potential Implications for Stroke, COVID-19, Zika, Ebola, Dengue, and Other Viral Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810242. [PMID: 36142146 PMCID: PMC9499484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 1 (TIM-1) has been recently identified as one of the factors involved in the internalization of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in human cells, in addition to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), neuropilin-1, and others. We hypothesized that specific microRNAs could target TIM-1, with potential implications for the management of patients suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). By combining bioinformatic analyses and functional assays, we identified miR-142 as a specific regulator of TIM-1 transcription. Since TIM-1 has been implicated in the regulation of endothelial function at the level of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and its levels have been shown to be associated with stroke and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury, we validated miR-142 as a functional modulator of TIM-1 in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMECs). Taken together, our results indicate that miR-142 targets TIM-1, representing a novel strategy against cerebrovascular disorders, as well as systemic complications of SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections.
Collapse
|
70
|
Temena MA, Acar A. Increased TRIM31 gene expression is positively correlated with SARS-CoV-2 associated genes TMPRSS2 and TMPRSS4 in gastrointestinal cancers. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11763. [PMID: 35970857 PMCID: PMC9378649 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15911-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides typical respiratory symptoms, COVID-19 patients also have gastrointestinal symptoms. Studies focusing on the gastrointestinal tumors derived from gastrointestinal tissues have raised a question whether these tumors might express higher levels of SARS-CoV-2 associated genes and therefore patients diagnosed with GI cancers may be more susceptible to the infection. In this study, we have analyzed the expression of SARS-CoV-2 associated genes and their co-expressions in gastrointestinal solid tumors, cancer cell lines and patient-derived organoids relative to their normal counterparts. Moreover, we have found increased co-expression of TMPRSS2-TMPRSS4 in gastrointestinal cancers suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 viral infection known to be mediated by this protease pair might facilitate the effects of viral infection in GI cancer patients. Further, our findings also demonstrate that TRIM31 expression is upregulated in gastrointestinal tumors, while the inhibition of TRIM31 significantly altered viral replication and viral processes associated with cellular pathways in gastrointestinal cancer samples. Taken together, these findings indicate that in addition to the co-expression of TMPRSS2-TMPRSS4 protease pair in GI cancers, TRIM31 expression is positively correlated with this pair and TRIM31 may play a role in providing an increased susceptibility in GI cancer patients to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Arda Temena
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Universiteler Mah. Dumlupınar Bulvarı 1, 06800, Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Acar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Universiteler Mah. Dumlupınar Bulvarı 1, 06800, Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
71
|
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated invasive fungal infections are an important complication in a substantial number of critically ill, hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Three groups of fungal pathogens cause co-infections in COVID-19: Aspergillus, Mucorales and Candida species, including Candida auris. Here we review the incidence of COVID-19-associated invasive fungal infections caused by these fungi in low-, middle- and high-income countries. By evaluating the epidemiology, clinical risk factors, predisposing features of the host environment and immunological mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of these co-infections, we set the scene for future research and development of clinical guidance. Hoenigl and colleagues review the epidemiology, immunology and clinical risk factors contributing to COVID-19-associated fungal infections.
Collapse
|
72
|
Hoffmann C, Gerber PA, Cavelti-Weder C, Licht L, Kotb R, Al Dweik R, Cherfane M, Bornstein SR, Perakakis N. Liver, NAFLD and COVID-19. Horm Metab Res 2022; 54:522-531. [PMID: 35468630 DOI: 10.1055/a-1834-9008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by a wide clinical spectrum that includes abnormalities in liver function indicative of liver damage. Conversely, people with liver diseases are at higher risk of severe COVID-19. In the current review, we summarize first the epidemiologic evidence describing the bidirectional relationship between COVID-19 and liver function/liver diseases. Additionally, we present the most frequent histologic findings as well as the most important direct and indirect mechanisms supporting a COVID-19 mediated liver injury. Furthermore, we focus on the most frequent liver disease in the general population, non-alcoholic or metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MAFLD), and describe how COVID-19 may affect NAFLD/MAFLD development and progression and conversely how NAFLD/MAFLD may further aggravate a COVID-19 infection. Finally, we present the long-term consequences of the pandemic on the development and management of NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Hoffmann
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany, Department of Internal Medicine III, Dresden, Germany
| | - Philipp A Gerber
- University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), Switzerland, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Cavelti-Weder
- University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), Switzerland, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Louisa Licht
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany, Department of Internal Medicine III, Dresden, Germany
| | - Reham Kotb
- Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rania Al Dweik
- Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Department of Public Health, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Michele Cherfane
- Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany, Department of Internal Medicine III, Dresden, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Perakakis
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany, Department of Internal Medicine III, Dresden, Germany
- University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden (PLID), Helmholtz Center Munich, Dresden, Germany
- Neuherberg, German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD e.V.), Neuherberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
73
|
Chen M, Ma Y, Chang W. SARS-CoV-2 and the Nucleus. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:4731-4743. [PMID: 35874947 PMCID: PMC9305274 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.72482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is caused by an RNA virus, SARS-CoV-2. The genome of SARS-CoV-2 lacks a nuclear phase in its life cycle and is replicated in the cytoplasm. However, interfering with nuclear trafficking using pharmacological inhibitors greatly reduces virus infection and virus replication of other coronaviruses is blocked in enucleated cells, suggesting a critical role of the nucleus in virus infection. Here, we summarize the alternations of nuclear pathways caused by SARS-CoV-2, including nuclear translocation pathways, innate immune responses, mRNA metabolism, epigenetic mechanisms, DNA damage response, cytoskeleton regulation, and nuclear rupture. We consider how these alternations contribute to virus replication and discuss therapeutic treatments that target these pathways, focusing on small molecule drugs that are being used in clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Wakam Chang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| |
Collapse
|
74
|
ter Ellen BM, Niewold J, Flikweert A, Muller Kobold AC, Heeringa P, van Meurs M, Smit JM, van der Voort PHJ, Rodenhuis-Zybert IA, Moser J. Mediators of Obesity Do Not Influence SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Activation of Primary Human Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cells In Vitro. Front Immunol 2022; 13:879033. [PMID: 35837388 PMCID: PMC9273911 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.879033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical observations have shown that obesity is associated with the severe outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection hallmarked by microvascular dysfunction in the lungs and other organs. Excess visceral fat and high systemic levels of adipose tissue (AT) derived mediators such as leptin and other adipokines have also been linked to endothelial dysfunction. Consequently, we hypothesized that AT-derived mediators may exacerbate microvascular dysfunction during of SARS-CoV-2 infection and tested this in a primary human lung microvascular endothelial (HLMVEC) cell model. Our results indicate that HLMVEC are not susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection since no expression of viral proteins and no newly produced virus was detected. In addition, exposure to the virus did not induce endothelial activation as evidenced by a lack of adhesion molecule, E-selectin, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and inflammatory cytokine IL-6 induction. Incubation of endothelial cells with the pro-inflammatory AT-derived mediator, leptin, prior to virus inoculation, did not alter the expression of endothelial SARS-CoV-2 entry receptors and did not alter their susceptibility to infection. Furthermore, it did not induce inflammatory activation of endothelial cells. To verify if the lack of activated phenotype in the presence of adipokines was not leptin-specific, we exposed endothelial cells to plasma obtained from critically ill obese COVID-19 patients. Plasma exposure did not result in E-selectin, VCAM-1, ICAM-1, or IL-6 induction. Together our results strongly suggest that aberrant inflammatory endothelial responses are not mounted by direct SARS-CoV-2 infection of endothelial cells, even in the presence of leptin and other mediators of obesity. Instead, endothelial activation associated with COVID-19 is likely a result of inflammatory responses initiated by other cells. Further studies are required to investigate the mechanisms regulating endothelial behavior in COVID-19 and the mechanisms driving severe disease in obese individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bram M. ter Ellen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jelmer Niewold
- Department of Critical Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Antine Flikweert
- Department of Critical Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Amphia Hospital, Breda, Netherlands
| | - Anneke C. Muller Kobold
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Peter Heeringa
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Matijs van Meurs
- Department of Critical Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jolanda M. Smit
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Peter H. J. van der Voort
- Department of Critical Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Izabela A. Rodenhuis-Zybert
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Jill Moser
- Department of Critical Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Jill Moser,
| |
Collapse
|
75
|
Luan J, Zhou Y, Wang X, Ming A, Liu Y, Yuan Y, Liang J, Zhang L. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of liver reveals the enhanced entry and release abilities of human adenovirus F41, partially explaining acute hepatitis in children. J Infect 2022; 85:334-363. [PMID: 35700865 PMCID: PMC9188117 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Junwen Luan
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China; Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yixuan Zhou
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China; Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China; Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Annan Ming
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China; Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuwen Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China; Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yupei Yuan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China; Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Junhan Liang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China; Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Leiliang Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China; Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
76
|
Unbalanced IDO1/IDO2 Endothelial Expression and Skewed Keynurenine Pathway in the Pathogenesis of COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Pneumonia. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061332. [PMID: 35740354 PMCID: PMC9220124 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite intense investigation, the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and the newly defined long COVID-19 syndrome are not fully understood. Increasing evidence has been provided of metabolic alterations characterizing this group of disorders, with particular relevance of an activated tryptophan/kynurenine pathway as described in this review. Recent histological studies have documented that, in COVID-19 patients, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) enzymes are differentially expressed in the pulmonary blood vessels, i.e., IDO1 prevails in early/mild pneumonia and in lung tissues from patients suffering from long COVID-19, whereas IDO2 is predominant in severe/fatal cases. We hypothesize that IDO1 is necessary for a correct control of the vascular tone of pulmonary vessels, and its deficiency in COVID-19 might be related to the syndrome’s evolution toward vascular dysfunction. The complexity of this scenario is discussed in light of possible therapeutic manipulations of the tryptophan/kynurenine pathway in COVID-19 and post-acute COVID-19 syndromes.
Collapse
|
77
|
Gudowska-Sawczuk M, Mroczko B. The Role of Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) in Development and Treatment of COVID-19: Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095283. [PMID: 35563673 PMCID: PMC9101079 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19), a disease that has affected more than 500 million people worldwide since the end of 2019. Due to its high complications and death rates, there is still a need to find the best therapy for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The dysregulation of the inflammatory response in COVID-19 plays a very important role in disease progression. It has been observed that abnormal activity of Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) is directly associated with, inter alia, increased synthesis of proinflammatory factors. Therefore, this review paper focuses on the functions of NF-κB in the development of SARS-CoV-2 infection and potential application of NF-κB inhibitors in COVID-19 immunotherapy. A comprehensive literature search was performed using the MEDLINE/PubMed database. In the current review, it is highlighted that NF-κB plays important functions in the modulation of an adaptive inflammatory response, including inducing the expression of proinflammatory genes. Increased activation of NF-κB in SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed. The association between NF-κB activation and the expression of SARS-CoV-2 structural and non-structural proteins were also reported. It was observed that modulation of NF-κB using, e.g., traditional Chinese medicine or glucocorticosteroids resulted in decreased synthesis of proinflammatory factors caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review summarizes the role of NF-κB in COVID-19 and describes its potential immunotherapeutic target in treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, indisputably more studies involving patients with a severe course of COVID-19 are sorely needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Gudowska-Sawczuk
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-85-831-8703
| | - Barbara Mroczko
- Department of Biochemical Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland;
- Department of Neurodegeneration Diagnostics, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
78
|
Gressett TE, Nader D, Robles JP, Buranda T, Kerrigan SW, Bix G. Integrins as Therapeutic Targets for SARS-CoV-2. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:892323. [PMID: 35619646 PMCID: PMC9128570 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.892323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy E. Gressett
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Danielle Nader
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences (PBS), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Juan Pablo Robles
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Juriquilla, Mexico
| | - Tione Buranda
- University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (HSC), Department of Pathology, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Steven W. Kerrigan
- RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences (PBS), Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gregory Bix
- Tulane University School of Medicine, Clinical Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
79
|
Nader D, Kerrigan SW. Molecular Cross-Talk between Integrins and Cadherins Leads to a Loss of Vascular Barrier Integrity during SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:891. [PMID: 35632633 PMCID: PMC9143673 DOI: 10.3390/v14050891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The vascular barrier is heavily injured following SARS-CoV-2 infection and contributes enormously to life-threatening complications in COVID-19. This endothelial dysfunction is associated with the phlogistic phenomenon of cytokine storms, thrombotic complications, abnormal coagulation, hypoxemia, and multiple organ failure. The mechanisms surrounding COVID-19 associated endotheliitis have been widely attributed to ACE2-mediated pathways. However, integrins are emerging as possible receptor candidates for SARS-CoV-2, and their complex intracellular signaling events are essential for maintaining endothelial homeostasis. Here, we showed that the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 depends on its RGD motif to drive barrier dysregulation by hijacking integrin αVβ3, expressed on human endothelial cells. This triggers the redistribution and internalization of major junction protein VE-Cadherin which leads to the barrier disruption phenotype. Both extracellular and intracellular inhibitors of integrin αVβ3 prevented these effects, similarly to the RGD-cyclic peptide compound Cilengitide, which suggests that the spike protein-through its RGD motif-binds to αVβ3 and elicits vascular leakage events. These findings support integrins as an additional receptor for SARS-CoV-2, particularly as integrin engagement can elucidate many of the adverse endothelial dysfunction events that stem from COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Steve W. Kerrigan
- Cardiovascular Infection Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences (PBS), RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, 123 St. Stephen’s Green, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland;
| |
Collapse
|
80
|
Norris EG, Pan XS, Hocking DC. Receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 is a functional αv-integrin agonist. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2022.04.11.487882. [PMID: 35441172 PMCID: PMC9016641 DOI: 10.1101/2022.04.11.487882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Among the novel mutations distinguishing SARS-CoV-2 from similar respiratory coronaviruses is a K403R substitution in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike (S) protein within its S1 region. This amino acid substitution occurs near the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)-binding interface and gives rise to a canonical RGD adhesion motif that is often found in native extracellular matrix proteins, including fibronectin. In the present study, the ability of recombinant S1-RBD to bind to cell surface integrins and trigger downstream signaling pathways was assessed and compared to RGD-containing, integrin-binding fragments of fibronectin. S1-RBD supported adhesion of both fibronectin-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts as well as primary human small airway epithelial cells. Cell adhesion to S1-RBD was cation- and RGD-dependent, and was inhibited by blocking antibodies against α v and β 3 , but not α 5 or β 1 , integrins. Similarly, direct binding of S1-RBD to recombinant human α v β 3 and α v β 6 integrins, but not α 5 β 1 integrins, was observed by surface plasmon resonance. Adhesion to S1-RBD initiated cell spreading, focal adhesion formation, and actin stress fiber organization to a similar extent as fibronectin. Moreover, S1-RBD stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of the adhesion mediators FAK, Src, and paxillin, Akt activation, and supported cell proliferation. Together, these data demonstrate that the RGD sequence within S1-RBD can function as an α v -selective integrin agonist. This study provides evidence that cell surface α v -containing integrins can respond functionally to spike protein and raise the possibility that S1-mediated dysregulation of ECM dynamics may contribute to the pathogenesis and/or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma G. Norris
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Xuan Sabrina Pan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642
| | - Denise C. Hocking
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642
- Department of Biomedical Engineering University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642
| |
Collapse
|