A suspicious role of interferon in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 by enhancing expression of ACE2

摘要

Based on a number of published and unpublished single-cell RNAsequencing(scRNA-seq) datasets, a recent study identifiedputative specific cell subtypes targeted by SARS-CoV-2 (severeacute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) and a possible role ofinterferon (IFN) in its pathogenesis. The rapid spread of SARS-CoV2,the causative pathogen of COVID-19, has had global publichealth and economic consequences. The molecular mechanism(s)underlying the high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 remain(s)elusive. Therefore, we must follow a pragmatic and stepwise pathto determine the specific target cell subsets and factors thatregulate SARS-CoV-2 infection to elucidate true targets fortreatment. In a recent issue of Cell, Carly and co-workers1identified the cell subsets targeted by SARS-CoV-2 in certaintissues. In addition, they found that IFN-α enhanced theexpression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), thereceptor for SARS-CoV-2, in primary human upper airway basalcells. However, we know that IFN is cell-type- and host speciesspecific,indicating the need for more preclinical and clinical datato clarify the role of IFN in the pathogenesis of COVID-19.