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Expanding Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes from Umbilical Cord Blood that Target Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr Virus, and Adenovirus
Published on: May 7, 2012
T Lymphocytes as Targets for SARS-CoV-2
1Perm Federal Research Center, Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, 614081, Russia. ibis_07@mail.ru.
Abstract:
Despite numerous data on the absence or weak expression of the main functional receptor of SARS-CoV-2 angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) by T cells, it was recently demonstrated that the new coronavirus can efficiently infect T lymphocytes. Here, we analyze the data on the alternative (ACE2-independent) pathways of cell infection, identified T cell subpopulations that serve as the most plausible targets of SARS-CoV-2, discuss the mechanisms of virus-cell interaction, including both infectious and non-infectious pathways of T lymphocyte regulation, and estimate the role of the virus-dependent damage of T lymphocytes in COVID-19 pathogenesis. Particular attention is paid to regulatory T cells as potential targets of SARS-CoV-2, as well as to the possible involvement of exosomes in the sensitivity of peripheral T cells to the virus.
Insights
The new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, can infect T lymphocytes through ACE2-independent pathways. This study explores these mechanisms and identifies key T cell targets involved in COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- T cells are crucial for adaptive immunity.
- SARS-CoV-2 primarily uses ACE2 for cell entry.
- Despite low ACE2 expression, T cells are infected by SARS-CoV-2.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze ACE2-independent SARS-CoV-2 infection pathways in T cells.
- To identify T cell subpopulations targeted by SARS-CoV-2.
- To discuss virus-cell interactions and their role in COVID-19 pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing data on SARS-CoV-2 and T cell interactions.
- Identification of alternative viral entry mechanisms.
- Review of immunological and virological studies.
Main Results:
- Alternative, ACE2-independent pathways facilitate SARS-CoV-2 infection of T cells.
- Specific T cell subpopulations, including regulatory T cells, are identified as plausible targets.
- Both infectious and non-infectious mechanisms of T lymphocyte regulation by the virus are discussed.
Conclusions:
- SARS-CoV-2 infection of T cells occurs via ACE2-independent routes.
- Virus-induced damage to T lymphocytes contributes to COVID-19 pathogenesis.
- Exosomes may play a role in T cell susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2.
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