How Macrophages Get Infected by SARS-CoV-2
Author Information
Author(s): Lee Cadence, Khan Rachel, Mantsounga Chris S., Sharma Sheila, Pierce Julia, Amelotte Elizabeth, Butler Celia A., Farinha Andrew, Parry Crystal, Caballero Olivya, Morrison Jeremi A., Uppuluri Saketh, Whyte Jeffrey J., Kennedy Joshua L., Zhang Xuming, Choudhary Gaurav, Olson Rachel M., Morrison Alan R.
Primary Institution: Ocean State Research Institute, Inc.
Hypothesis
Can macrophages be infected by SARS-CoV-2 and what mechanisms regulate ACE2 expression in these cells?
Conclusion
The study found that macrophages can be infected by SARS-CoV-2, and this infection is linked to IL-1β-driven NF-κB transcription of ACE2.
Supporting Evidence
- Macrophages in the hACE2 mice showed evidence of viral replication.
- Infected hACE2 mice maintained stable weight and 100% survival compared to K18-hACE2 mice.
- Unique cytokine profiles were observed in hACE2 mice infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Takeaway
Researchers created special mice to study how a virus called SARS-CoV-2 infects immune cells called macrophages, finding that these cells can get infected and that a specific protein helps this happen.
Methodology
The study used a humanized ACE2 mouse model to assess macrophage infection by SARS-CoV-2 and analyzed cytokine profiles and histopathological changes.
Limitations
The study focused on a limited number of assessments and did not explore the broader immune response or the role of macrophage infection in disease pathology.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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