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Ocular Surface Expression of SARS-CoV-2 Receptors
Andrea Leonardi1, Umberto Rosani2, Paola Brun3
1Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology Unit, University of Padova , Padova, Italy.
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation
|June 27, 2020
Summary
The ocular surface, including the conjunctiva and cornea, expresses receptors like ACE2, basigin, and TMPRSS2, potentially serving as an entry point for SARS-CoV-2. The eye also exhibits antiviral defenses, possibly explaining limited COVID-19 eye involvement.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- SARS-CoV-2 utilizes ACE2 or basigin/CD147 receptors for transmission.
- The serine protease TMPRSS2 is crucial in this interaction.
- Expression of these viral entry receptors on the ocular surface was previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of SARS-CoV-2 receptors on the human ocular surface.
- To determine if the conjunctiva and cornea express key viral entry molecules.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression analysis of ocular surface samples (conjunctival and cornea).
- Utilized microarray and transcriptome sequencing techniques.
- Focused on receptors like ACE2, basigin (BSG), and TMPRSS2.
Main Results:
- ACE2 was detected at low levels in conjunctival samples.
- Basigin (BSG) and TMPRSS2 showed intermediate expression in both conjunctiva and cornea.
- Other receptors (ANPEP, AGTR2) and antiviral enzymes (APOBEC3A, ADAR-1) were also quantified.
Conclusions:
- The ocular surface, specifically conjunctiva and cornea, expresses SARS-CoV-2 entry receptors.
- These tissues may act as a potential entry route for SARS-CoV-2.
- Antiviral mechanisms present on the ocular surface might contribute to the low incidence of eye complications in COVID-19.
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