Single-cell sequencing of brain tissues reveal the central nervous system's susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and the drug

• Main Authors: Zhichao Lu (Author), Ziheng Wang (Author), Zhuhuan Song (Author), Chen Chen (Author), He Ma (Author), Peipei Gong (Author), Yunzhao Xu (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A., 2022-09-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the current COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a public health crisis that required immediate action. The SARS-CoV-2 virus enters human cells via three receptors, namely cathepsin, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and SARS-CoV receptors. Cathepsin destroys the spike protein (S protein), thereby allowing the entry of viral nucleic acid into human host cells.Methods: Utilizing single-cell transcriptome analysis of brain tissues, the vulnerability of the central nervous system to infection with SARS-CoV-2 in humans was investigated.Results: ACE2 is mainly expressed in endothelial cells, with the highest levels found in ageing endothelial cells. Drug prediction suggests that (-)-catechin reduces the effects of COVID-19 on the nervous system. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that ACE2 was mainly expressed in cerebral vessels. Immunofluroscenceresults showed the co-expression of CD31 and ACE2 in human tissues. Western blot further showed that ACE2 expression was higher in old rats than in young rats.Conclusion: This study provides insight into the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 brain invasion. Accordingly, patients with neurological symptoms who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 should be given individualised care.

Item Description

1663-9812
10.3389/fphar.2022.971017