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SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein, rather than spike protein, triggers a cytokine storm originating from lung epithelial cells in patients with COVID-19.
- Source :
- Infection; Jun2024, Vol. 52 Issue 3, p955-983, 29p
- Publication Year :
- 2024
-
Abstract
- Purpose: The aim of this study was to elucidate the factors associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that may initiate cytokine cascades and correlate the clinical characteristics of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with their serum cytokine profiles. Methods: Recombinant baculoviruses displaying SARS-CoV-2 spike or nucleocapsid protein were constructed and transfected into A549 cells and THP-1-derived macrophages, to determine which protein initiate cytokine release. SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody titers and cytokine profiles of patients with COVID-19 were determined, and the results were associated with their clinical characteristics, such as development of pneumonia or length of hospital stay. Results: The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein, rather than the spike protein, triggers lung epithelial A549 cells to express IP-10, RANTES, IL-16, MIP-1α, basic FGF, eotaxin, IL-15, PDGF-BB, TRAIL, VEGF-A, and IL-5. Additionally, serum CTACK, basic FGF, GRO-α, IL-1α, IL-1RA, IL-2Rα, IL-9, IL-15, IL-16, IL-18, IP-10, M-CSF, MIF, MIG, RANTES, SCGF-β, SDF-1α, TNF-α, TNF-β, VEGF, PDGF-BB, TRAIL, β-NGF, eotaxin, GM-CSF, IFN-α2, INF-γ, and MCP-1 levels were considerably increased in patients with COVID-19. Among them, patients with pneumonia had higher serum IP-10 and M-CSF levels than patients without. Patients requiring less than 3 weeks to show negative COVID-19 tests after contracting COVID-19 had higher serum IP-10 levels than the remaining patients. Conclusion: Our study revealed that nucleocapsid protein, lung epithelial cells, and IP-10 may be potential targets for the development of new strategies to prevent, or control, severe COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 03008126
- Volume :
- 52
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Infection
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 177598414
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s15010-023-02142-4