Bromelain Inhibits SARS-CoV-2 Infection in VeroE6 Cells

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Biochemistry
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) utilizes the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor and Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 (TMPRSS2) for host cell entry.
• Understanding the molecular interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and host factors is crucial for developing antiviral strategies.

Approach:

• The study expressed and purified a GFP-tagged SARS-CoV-2 spike (S)-Ectodomain, characterized by sialic acid-enriched glycans.
• Binding assays (SPR, Luminex) confirmed the interaction of the S-Ectodomain with human ACE-2 and its immunoreactivity with COVID-19 samples.
• The effect of bromelain on ACE-2 and TMPRSS2 expression, S-Ectodomain levels, and viral infection in VeroE6 cells was investigated.

Key Points:

• Bromelain treatment significantly reduced the expression of ACE-2 and TMPRSS2 in VeroE6 cells.
• Bromelain diminished the expression of the SARS-CoV-2 S-Ectodomain and its interaction with host cells.
• Bromelain treatment markedly reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection in VeroE6 cells.

Conclusions:

• Bromelain inhibits or cleaves the expression of ACE-2 and TMPRSS2.
• Bromelain cleaves or degrades the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
• Bromelain inhibits S-Ectodomain binding and SARS-CoV-2 infection, suggesting its potential as an antiviral agent.