SARS-CoV-2 multifaceted interaction with the human host. Part II: Innate immunity response, immunopathology, and epigenetics

Tasnim H Beacon; Ruey-Chyi Su; Ted M Lakowski; Geneviève P Delcuve; James R Davie

doi:10.1002/iub.2379

SARS-CoV-2 multifaceted interaction with the human host. Part II: Innate immunity response, immunopathology, and epigenetics

IUBMB Life. 2020 Nov;72(11):2331-2354. doi: 10.1002/iub.2379. Epub 2020 Sep 16.

Authors

Tasnim H Beacon¹, Ruey-Chyi Su², Ted M Lakowski³, Geneviève P Delcuve¹, James R Davie¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
² National HIV and Retrovirology Laboratory, JC Wilt Infectious Disease Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
³ College of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Analysis Laboratory, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

PMID: 32936531
DOI: 10.1002/iub.2379

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 makes its way into the cell via the ACE2 receptor and the proteolytic action of TMPRSS2. In response to the SARS-CoV-2 infection, the innate immune response is the first line of defense, triggering multiple signaling pathways to produce interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and initiating the adaptive immune response against the virus. Unsurprisingly, the virus has developed strategies to evade detection, which can result in delayed, excessive activation of the innate immune system. The response elicited by the host depends on multiple factors, including health status, age, and sex. An overactive innate immune response can lead to a cytokine storm, inflammation, and vascular disruption, leading to the vast array of symptoms exhibited by COVID-19 patients. What is known about the expression and epigenetic regulation of the ACE2 gene and the various players in the host response are explored in this review.

Keywords: ACE2; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; epigenetics; innate immune response.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 / genetics*
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 / immunology
COVID-19 / genetics
COVID-19 / immunology*
COVID-19 / virology
Cytokine Release Syndrome / genetics
Cytokine Release Syndrome / immunology*
Cytokine Release Syndrome / virology
Cytokines / genetics
Cytokines / immunology
Epigenesis, Genetic*
Gene Expression Regulation
Host-Pathogen Interactions / genetics
Host-Pathogen Interactions / immunology*
Humans
Immunity, Innate
Interferons / genetics
Interferons / immunology
Receptors, Virus / genetics
Receptors, Virus / immunology
SARS-CoV-2 / immunology
SARS-CoV-2 / pathogenicity
Serine Endopeptidases / genetics*
Serine Endopeptidases / immunology
Signal Transduction
Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / genetics*
Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / immunology
Virus Internalization
Virus Replication

Substances

Cytokines
Receptors, Virus
Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
spike protein, SARS-CoV-2
Interferons
ACE2 protein, human
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
Serine Endopeptidases
TMPRSS2 protein, human