Abstract
There is marked sexual dimorphism in the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Here we report that estrogen can regulate the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a key component for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cell entry, in differentiated airway epithelial cells. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanisms by which sex steroids regulate SARS-CoV-2 infectivity.
Keywords:
COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus; epithelial cells; estrogen.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
MeSH terms
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
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Betacoronavirus / drug effects*
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COVID-19
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Coronavirus Infections* / drug therapy
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Coronavirus Infections* / metabolism
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Epithelial Cells / drug effects
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Epithelial Cells / virology
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Estrogens / metabolism
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Estrogens / pharmacology*
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Humans
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Pandemics*
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Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / metabolism*
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Pneumonia, Viral* / drug therapy
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Pneumonia, Viral* / metabolism
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Respiratory System / drug effects
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Respiratory System / metabolism
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SARS-CoV-2
Substances
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Estrogens
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Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A
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ACE2 protein, human
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2