1. Differential immune activation profile of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV infection in human lung and intestinal cells: Implications for treatment with IFN-β and IFN inducer.
- Author
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Shuai, Huiping, Chu, Hin, Hou, Yuxin, Yang, Dong, Wang, Yixin, Hu, Bingjie, Huang, Xiner, Zhang, Xi, Chai, Yue, Cai, Jian-Piao, Chan, Jasper Fuk-Woo, and Yuen, Kwok-Yung
- Subjects
VIRAL pneumonia ,RESPIRATORY mucosa ,RESEARCH ,LUNGS ,RESEARCH methodology ,IMMUNOMODULATORS ,COVID-19 ,ANTIVIRAL agents ,EVALUATION research ,MEDICAL cooperation ,INTERFERONS ,COMPARATIVE studies ,EPIDEMICS ,IMMUNITY ,INTESTINAL mucosa ,SARS virus ,EPITHELIAL cells ,CELL lines ,SARS disease ,PHARMACODYNAMICS - Abstract
Objectives: Respiratory and intestinal tract are two primary target organs of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, detailed characterization of the host-virus interplay in infected human lung and intestinal epithelial cells is lacking.Methods: We utilized immunofluorescence assays, flow cytometry, and RT-qPCR to delineate the virological features and the innate immune response of the host cells against SARS-CoV-2 infection in two prototype human cell lines representing the human lung (Calu3) and intestinal (Caco2) epithelium when compared with SARS-CoV.Results: Lung epithelial cells were significantly more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 compared to SARS-CoV. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection induced an attenuated pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines induction and type I and type II IFN responses. A single dose of 10 U/mL interferon-β (IFNβ) pretreatment potently protected both Calu3 and Caco2 against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Interestingly, SARS-CoV-2 was more sensitive to the pretreatment with IFNβ and IFN inducer than SARS-CoV in Calu3.Conclusions: Despite robust infection in both human lung and intestinal epithelial cells, SARS-CoV-2 could attenuate the virus-induced pro-inflammatory response and IFN response. Pre-activation of the type I IFN signaling pathway primed a highly efficient antiviral response in the host against SARS-CoV-2 infection, which could serve as a potential therapeutic and prophylactic maneuver to COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2020
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