High expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry factors in human conjunctival goblet cells

Exp Eye Res. 2021 Apr:205:108501. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108501. Epub 2021 Feb 15.

Abstract

The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor has been proved for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry after auxiliary cellular protease priming by transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), but the co-effect of this molecular mechanism was unknown. Here, single-cell sequencing was performed with human conjunctiva and the results have shown that ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were highly co-expressed in the goblet cells with genes involved in immunity process. This identification of conjunctival cell types which are permissive to virus entry would help to understand the process by which SARS-CoV-2 infection was established. These finding might be suggestive for COVID-19 control and protection.

Keywords: ACE2; Conjunctival goblet cell; SARS‐CoV‐2; TMPRSS2.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / genetics*
  • COVID-19 / metabolism
  • COVID-19 / pathology
  • Conjunctiva / metabolism*
  • Conjunctiva / pathology
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Goblet Cells / metabolism*
  • Goblet Cells / pathology
  • Humans
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / biosynthesis
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / genetics*
  • RNA / genetics
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Serine Endopeptidases / biosynthesis
  • Serine Endopeptidases / genetics*

Substances

  • RNA
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A
  • Serine Endopeptidases
  • TMPRSS2 protein, human