Gut microbiota-derived metabolites confer protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection

Gut Microbes. 2022 Jan-Dec;14(1):2105609. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2022.2105609.

Abstract

The gut microbiome is intricately coupled with immune regulation and metabolism, but its role in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not fully understood. Severe and fatal COVID-19 is characterized by poor anti-viral immunity and hypercoagulation, particularly in males. Here, we define multiple pathways by which the gut microbiome protects mammalian hosts from SARS-CoV-2 intranasal infection, both locally and systemically, via production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs reduced viral burdens in the airways and intestines by downregulating the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and enhancing adaptive immunity via GPR41 and 43 in male animals. We further identify a novel role for the gut microbiome in regulating systemic coagulation response by limiting megakaryocyte proliferation and platelet turnover via the Sh2b3-Mpl axis. Taken together, our findings have unraveled novel functions of SCFAs and fiber-fermenting gut bacteria to dampen viral entry and hypercoagulation and promote adaptive antiviral immunity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19*
  • Fatty Acids, Volatile
  • Gastrointestinal Microbiome*
  • Male
  • Mammals / metabolism
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / metabolism
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Fatty Acids, Volatile
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A