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Geanes ES, McLennan R, LeMaster C, Bradley T. Autoantibodies to ACE2 and immune molecules are associated with COVID-19 disease severity. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:47. [PMID: 38491326 PMCID: PMC10943194 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00477-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased inflammation caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and long-term disease manifestations. The mechanisms of this variable long-term immune activation are poorly defined. One feature of this increased inflammation is elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Autoantibodies targeting immune factors such as cytokines, as well as the viral host cell receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), have been observed after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Autoantibodies to immune factors and ACE2 could interfere with normal immune regulation and lead to increased inflammation, severe COVID-19, and long-term complications. METHODS Here, we deeply profiled the features of ACE2, cytokine, and chemokine autoantibodies in samples from patients recovering from severe COVID-19. We measured the levels of immunoglobulin subclasses (IgG, IgA, IgM) in the peripheral blood against ACE2 and 23 cytokines and other immune molecules. We then utilized an ACE2 peptide microarray to map the linear epitopes targeted by ACE2 autoantibodies. RESULTS We demonstrate that ACE2 autoantibody levels are increased in individuals with severe COVID-19 compared with those with mild infection or no prior infection. We identify epitopes near the catalytic domain of ACE2 targeted by these antibodies. Levels of autoantibodies targeting ACE2 and other immune factors could serve as determinants of COVID-19 disease severity, and represent a natural immunoregulatory mechanism in response to viral infection. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 infection can increase autoantibody levels to ACE2 and other immune factors. The levels of these autoantibodies are associated with COVID-19 disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S Geanes
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Rebecca McLennan
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Cas LeMaster
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Todd Bradley
- Genomic Medicine Center, Children's Mercy Research Institute, Kansas City, MO, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
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Gao H, Wang J, Zheng X, Pei X, Zheng Y, Zhai W, Zhang R, Chen X, Ma Q, Wei J, Yang D, Pang A, He Y, Feng S, Cao Y, Jiang E. Ursodeoxycholic acid does not reduce SARS-CoV-2 infection in newly allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients: a prospective NICHE cohort. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1324019. [PMID: 38505288 PMCID: PMC10949982 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1324019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Retrospective studies have suggested that Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) provide a protective effect against SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in patients with liver disease. However, it is uncertain whether this finding can be extended to the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) cohort. Therefore, we aim to examine the protective potential of UDCA against SARS-CoV-2 infection in recently received allo-HSCT patients. Methods During the initial Omicron variant wave in China (December 2022 to February 2023), we conducted a prospective observational study involving 91 hospitalized patients who had undergone allo-HSCT within the previous 6 months as part of the National Longitudinal Cohort of Hematological Diseases (NICHE). Throughout hospitalization, we continuously monitored the status of COVID-19 using SARS-CoV-2 PCR kits or SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Tests. Results Among these patients, 67.0% (n = 61) were confirmed to have contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection. For the 52 patients evaluated, 23.1% experienced a severe or critical clinical course. There was no difference in the infection rate or severity of COVID-19 between the UDCA group and the non-UDCA group. We found that only patients transplanted between 3 and 6 months ago demonstrated a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to those who received allo-HSCT within 3 months (Odds Ratio [OR]: 3.241, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.287-8.814, P = 0.016). But other clinical factors, such as administration of UDCA, showed no difference. Notably, only age ≥38 years old remained as an independent risk factor for a severe clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection (OR: 3.664, 95% CI: 1.129-13.007, P = 0.035). Conclusion The effectiveness of UDCA in protecting newly allo-HSCT recipients against SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unconfirmed. Presently, the most effective strategy appears to be minimizing exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Clinical trial registration https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04645199, identifier NCT04645199.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongye Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiali Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinhui Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaolei Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Yawei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Weihua Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Rongli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiaoling Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Jialin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Donglin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Aiming Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi He
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Sizhou Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Yigeng Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
| | - Erlie Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Institutes of Health Science, Tianjin, China
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Ahiadu BK, Grunbaum A, Rozza N, Kremer RB, Rusling JF. Levels of Angiotensin and Kinin Metabolite Peptides Related to COVID-19 Severity. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2024; 7:186-194. [PMID: 38230277 PMCID: PMC10789123 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
In addition to crucial roles in normal human biology, peptide metabolites of the renin-angiotensin (RAS) and kallikrein-kinin systems (KKS) have been reported to be altered in COVID-19 patients. Here, we evaluate new data on RAS and KKS peptides in COVID-19 patient serum obtained from a recently developed, fully validated, and optimized stable isotope labeling LC-MS peptide assay. We found that the RAS peptides angiotensin (ANG) 1, 2, 1-5, and 1-7 were downregulated compared to COVID-free surrogate controls, while the KKS peptides Brad, Brad 1-8, and Brad 1-7 were upregulated. This paper focuses on uncovering the possible diagnostic value of these peptides using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses of these data. ROC plots confirmed that all of the analyte peptides in 80 serum samples from COVID-19 patients were significantly altered from "normal" values of the control samples. The best diagnostic sensitivities and selectivities for COVID vs no COVID were found in ROC plots for Brad and Brad 1-7 (both 99% sensitivity, 100% selectivity). We then analyzed levels of all the peptides grouped according to preassigned values of the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Severity Index. ROC plots differentiated patients with a high WHO severity index from those with a low WHO severity index with moderate success, with BRAD (73% sensitivity, 79% selectivity) and Ang 1-7 (75% sensitivity, 65% selectivity) giving the best diagnostic performance. Results suggest the possible diagnostic value of these peptides as biomarkers to help identify moderate and serious COVID-19 cases at relatively early stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben K. Ahiadu
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Ami Grunbaum
- Department
of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Montreal QC H4A, Canada
| | - Nicholas Rozza
- Department
of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Montreal QC H4A, Canada
| | - Richard B. Kremer
- Department
of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Montreal QC H4A, Canada
| | - James F. Rusling
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
- Department
of Surgery and Neag Cancer Center, UConn
Health, Farmington, Connecticut 06232, United States
- School
of Chemistry, National University of Ireland
Galway, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
- Institute
of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, 97 N. Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
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Pencheva M, Bozhkova M, Kalchev Y, Petrov S, Baldzhieva A, Kalfova T, Dichev V, Keskinova D, Genova S, Atanasova M, Murdzheva M. The Serum ACE2, CTSL, AngII, and TNFα Levels after COVID-19 and mRNA Vaccines: The Molecular Basis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3160. [PMID: 38137381 PMCID: PMC10741205 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 virus as well as the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines cause an increased production of proinflammatory cytokines. AIM We investigated the relationship between ACE2, CTSL, AngII, TNFα and the serum levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-33, IL-28A, CD40L, total IgM, IgG, IgA and absolute count of T- and B-lymphocytes in COVID-19 patients, vaccinees and healthy individuals. METHODS We measured the serum levels ACE2, AngII, CTSL, TNFα and humoral biomarkers (CD40L, IL-28A, IL-10, IL-33) by the ELISA method. Immunophenotyping of lymphocyte subpopulations was performed by flow cytometry. Total serum immunoglobulins were analyzed by the turbidimetry method. RESULTS The results established an increase in the total serum levels for ACE2, CTSL, AngII and TNFα by severely ill patients and vaccinated persons. The correlation analysis described a positive relationship between ACE2 and proinflammatory cytokines IL-33 (r = 0.539) and CD40L (r = 0.520), a positive relationship between AngII and CD40L (r = 0.504), as well as between AngII and IL-33 (r = 0.416), and a positive relationship between CTSL, total IgA (r = 0.437) and IL-28A (r = 0.592). Correlation analysis confirmed only two of the positive relationships between TNFα and IL-28A (r = 0.491) and CD40L (r = 0.458). CONCLUSIONS In summary, the findings presented in this study unveil a complex web of interactions within the immune system in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Pencheva
- Department of Medical Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Martina Bozhkova
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.B.); (Y.K.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (M.M.)
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Yordan Kalchev
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.B.); (Y.K.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (M.M.)
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Steliyan Petrov
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.B.); (Y.K.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (M.M.)
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Alexandra Baldzhieva
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.B.); (Y.K.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (M.M.)
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Teodora Kalfova
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.B.); (Y.K.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (M.M.)
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Valentin Dichev
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
- Department of Medical Biology, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Donka Keskinova
- Department of Applied and Institutional Sociology, Faculty of Philosophy and History, University of Plovdiv “Paisii Hilendarski”, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Silvia Genova
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical Faculty, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
| | - Mariya Atanasova
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.B.); (Y.K.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (M.M.)
- Laboratory of Virology, UMBAL “St. George” EAD, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Mariana Murdzheva
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria; (M.B.); (Y.K.); (S.P.); (A.B.); (T.K.); (M.A.); (M.M.)
- Research Institute, Medical University of Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria;
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Rostamzadeh F, Najafipour H, Nakhaei S, Yazdani R, Langari AA. Low Ang-(1-7) and high des-Arg9 bradykinin serum levels are correlated with cardiovascular risk factors in patients with COVID-19. Open Med (Wars) 2023; 18:20230741. [PMID: 37415613 PMCID: PMC10320568 DOI: 10.1515/med-2023-0741] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It is predictable that the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and kinin-kallikrein systems are dysregulated in COVID-19 (COV) patients because SARS-CoV-2 requires ACE2 to cause an infection. This study aimed to assess the serum levels of des-arg(9)-bradykinin (DABK) and angiotensin 1-7 (ang-(1-7)) in patients with COV who had the above-mentioned cardiovascular disease risk factors. In a cross-sectional study, 69 COV patients were selected among patients referred to the main referral center for these patients, in Kerman, Iran, and 73 matched control (non-COV) individuals among individuals who participated in the KERCARD cohort study. Serum levels of DABK and ang-(1-7) were measured by ELISA in the groups of CTL (healthy), HTN, DM, OB, COV, COV + HTN, COV + DM, and COV + OB. Ang-(1-7) levels were lower in the COV + HTN group compared to the HTN group. DABK levels were higher in the COV, HTN, and OB groups and in DM + COV subjects compared to their corresponding control group. The levels of ang-(1-7) and DABK were related to HTN and OB, respectively. According to the findings, we can infer that an increase in DABK production in those with the cardiovascular disease risk factors of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension or a decrease in ang-(1-7) in those with hypertension may contribute to the adverse outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Rostamzadeh
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hamid Najafipour
- Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Samira Nakhaei
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Rostam Yazdani
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Afzalipour Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ahmad Alinaghi Langari
- Gastroenterology, and Hepatology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Abstract
The current epidemic of corona virus disease (COVID-19) has resulted in an immense health burden that became the third leading cause of death and potentially contributed to a decline in life expectancy in the United States. The severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 binds to the surface-bound peptidase angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2, EC 3.4.17.23) leading to tissue infection and viral replication. ACE2 is an important enzymatic component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) expressed in the lung and other organs. The peptidase regulates the levels of the peptide hormones Ang II and Ang-(1-7), which have distinct and opposing actions to one another, as well as other cardiovascular peptides. A potential consequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 infection is reduced ACE2 activity by internalization of the viral-ACE2 complex and subsequent activation of the RAS (higher ratio of Ang II:Ang-[1-7]) that may exacerbate the acute inflammatory events in COVID-19 patients and possibly contribute to the effects of long COVID-19. Moreover, COVID-19 patients present with an array of autoantibodies to various components of the RAS including the peptide Ang II, the enzyme ACE2, and the AT1 AT2 and Mas receptors. Greater disease severity is also evident in male COVID-19 patients, which may reflect underlying sex differences in the regulation of the 2 distinct functional arms of the RAS. The current review provides a critical evaluation of the evidence for an activated RAS in COVID-19 subjects and whether this system contributes to the greater severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 infection in males as compared with females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C. Chappell
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
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Nejat R, Torshizi MF, Najafi DJ. S Protein, ACE2 and Host Cell Proteases in SARS-CoV-2 Cell Entry and Infectivity; Is Soluble ACE2 a Two Blade Sword? A Narrative Review. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11020204. [PMID: 36851081 PMCID: PMC9968219 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11020204] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the spread of the deadly virus SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019, researchers have restlessly sought to unravel how the virus enters the host cells. Some proteins on each side of the interaction between the virus and the host cells are involved as the major contributors to this process: (1) the nano-machine spike protein on behalf of the virus, (2) angiotensin converting enzyme II, the mono-carboxypeptidase and the key component of renin angiotensin system on behalf of the host cell, (3) some host proteases and proteins exploited by SARS-CoV-2. In this review, the complex process of SARS-CoV-2 entrance into the host cells with the contribution of the involved host proteins as well as the sequential conformational changes in the spike protein tending to increase the probability of complexification of the latter with angiotensin converting enzyme II, the receptor of the virus on the host cells, are discussed. Moreover, the release of the catalytic ectodomain of angiotensin converting enzyme II as its soluble form in the extracellular space and its positive or negative impact on the infectivity of the virus are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Nejat
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Laleh Hospital, Tehran 1467684595, Iran
- Correspondence:
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8
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Bu F, Guan R, Wang W, Liu Z, Yin S, Zhao Y, Chai J. Bioinformatics and systems biology approaches to identify the effects of COVID-19 on neurodegenerative diseases: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e32100. [PMID: 36626425 PMCID: PMC9750669 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has been devastated by COVID-19 in an increasing number of countries and health care systems around the world since its announcement of a global pandemic on 11 March 2020. During the pandemic, emerging novel viral mutant variants have caused multiple outbreaks of COVID-19 around the world and are prone to genetic evolution, causing serious damage to human health. As confirmed cases of COVID-19 spread rapidly, there is evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection involves the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), directly or indirectly damaging neurons and further leading to neurodegenerative diseases (ND), but the molecular mechanisms of ND and CVOID-19 are unknown. We employed transcriptomic profiling to detect several major diseases of ND: Alzheimer 's disease (AD), Parkinson' s disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS) common pathways and molecular biomarkers in association with COVID-19, helping to understand the link between ND and COVID-19. There were 14, 30 and 19 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between COVID-19 and Alzheimer 's disease (AD), Parkinson' s disease (PD) and multiple sclerosis (MS), respectively; enrichment analysis showed that MAPK, IL-17, PI3K-Akt and other signaling pathways were significantly expressed; the hub genes (HGs) of DEGs between ND and COVID-19 were CRH, SST, TAC1, SLC32A1, GAD2, GAD1, VIP and SYP. Analysis of transcriptome data suggests multiple co-morbid mechanisms between COVID-19 and AD, PD, and MS, providing new ideas and therapeutic strategies for clinical prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and ND.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Bu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Haerbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
- * Correspondence: Fan Bu, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Haerbin 150040, Heilongjiang Province, China (e-mail: )
| | - Ruiqian Guan
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Haerbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Second Hospital, Haerbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Wanyu Wang
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Haerbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Haerbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Shijie Yin
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Haerbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Yonghou Zhao
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Haerbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Second Hospital, Haerbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Jianbo Chai
- Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Haerbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
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Leowattana W, Leowattana T, Leowattana P. Circulating angiotensin converting enzyme 2 and COVID-19. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:12470-12483. [PMID: 36579082 PMCID: PMC9791519 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i34.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered a widespread outbreak since December 2019. The SARS-CoV-2 infection-related illness has been dubbed the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization. Asymptomatic and subclinical infections, a severe hyper-inflammatory state, and mortality are all examples of clinical signs. After attaching to the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, the SARS-CoV-2 virus can enter cells through membrane fusion and endocytosis. In addition to enabling viruses to cling to target cells, the connection between the spike protein (S-protein) of SARS-CoV-2 and ACE2 may potentially impair the functionality of ACE2. Blood pressure is controlled by ACE2, which catalyzes the hydrolysis of the active vasoconstrictor octapeptide angiotensin (Ang) II to the heptapeptide Ang-(1-7) and free L-Phe. Additionally, Ang I can be broken down by ACE2 into Ang-(1-9) and metabolized into Ang-(1-7). Numerous studies have demonstrated that circulating ACE2 (cACE2) and Ang-(1-7) have the ability to restore myocardial damage in a variety of cardiovascular diseases and have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-cardiomyocyte fibrosis actions. There have been some suggestions for raising ACE2 expression in COVID-19 patients, which might be used as a target for the creation of novel treatment therapies. With regard to this, SARS-CoV-2 is neutralized by soluble recombinant human ACE2 (hrsACE2), which binds the viral S-protein and reduces damage to a variety of organs, including the heart, kidneys, and lungs, by lowering Ang II concentrations and enhancing conversion to Ang-(1-7). This review aims to investigate how the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and cACE2 are related. Additionally, there will be discussion of a number of potential therapeutic approaches to tip the ACE/ACE-2 balance in favor of the ACE-2/Ang-(1-7) axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wattana Leowattana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tawithep Leowattana
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pathomthep Leowattana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Bangkok, Thailand
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Lennol MP, García-Ayllón MS, Esteban M, García-Arriaza J, Sáez-Valero J. Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 as a potential biomarker for SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccine efficacy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1001951. [PMID: 36311758 PMCID: PMC9597869 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1001951] [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: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Various species of the SARS-CoV-2 host cell receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), are present in serum, which may result from virus entry and subsequent proteolytic processing of the membrane receptor. We have recently demonstrated changes of particular ACE2 species in virus infected humans, either cleaved fragments or circulating full-length species. Here, we further explore the potential of serum ACE2 as a biomarker to test SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccine efficacy in virus susceptible transgenic K18-hACE2 mice expressing human ACE2. First, in serum samples derived from K18-hACE2 mice challenged with a lethal dose of SARS-CoV-2, we observed an increase in the levels of cleaved ACE2 fragment at day 2 post-challenge, which may represent the subsequent proteolytic processing through virus entry. These elevated levels were maintained until the death of the animals at day 6 post-challenge. The circulating full-length ACE2 form displayed a sizable peak at day 4, which declined at day 6 post-challenge. Noticeably, immunization with two doses of the MVA-CoV2-S vaccine candidate prevented ACE2 cleaved changes in serum of animals challenged with a lethal dose of SARS-CoV-2. The efficacy of the MVA-CoV2-S was extended to vaccinated mice after virus re-challenge. These findings highlight that ACE2 could be a potential serum biomarker for disease progression and vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P. Lennol
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - María-Salud García-Ayllón
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Unidad de Investigación, Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO), Hospital General Universitario de Elche, Elche, Spain
| | - Mariano Esteban
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan García-Arriaza
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnología (CNB), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Juan García-Arriaza, ; Javier Sáez-Valero,
| | - Javier Sáez-Valero
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de Alicante (ISABIAL), Alicante, Spain
- *Correspondence: Juan García-Arriaza, ; Javier Sáez-Valero,
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Soltani-Zangbar MS, Parhizkar F, Abdollahi M, Shomali N, Aghebati-Maleki L, Shahmohammadi Farid S, Roshangar L, Mahmoodpoor A, Yousefi M. Immune system-related soluble mediators and COVID-19: basic mechanisms and clinical perspectives. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:131. [PMID: 36038915 PMCID: PMC9421625 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00948-7] [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: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
During SARS-CoV-2 infection, an effective immune response provides the first line of defense; however, excessive inflammatory innate immunity and impaired adaptive immunity may harm tissues. Soluble immune mediators are involved in the dynamic interaction of ligands with membrane-bound receptors to maintain and restore health after pathological events. In some cases, the dysregulation of their expression can lead to disease pathology. In this literature review, we described current knowledge of the basic features of soluble immune mediators and their dysregulation during SARS-CoV-2 infections and highlighted their contribution to disease severity and mortality. Video Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sadegh Soltani-Zangbar
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Forough Parhizkar
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Abdollahi
- School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Navid Shomali
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Sima Shahmohammadi Farid
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leila Roshangar
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ata Mahmoodpoor
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. .,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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