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SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein induces cell apoptosis in rat taste buds
Toru Yamamoto1, Yuhei Koyama1, Tomoaki Ujita1
1Division of Dental Anesthesiology, Faculty of Dentistry & Graduate School of Medicine and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Japan.
Abstract:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections can cause loss or alteration of taste and smell as early symptoms or sequelae, but the detailed mechanism behind this phenomenon remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein induces taste cell apoptosis and expression of the apoptosis-related cytokine TNF-α in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP)-fluorescein nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay results revealed a significantly higher apoptosis index for taste cells in the SARS-CoV-2 group than for those in the control group. An immunohistochemistry analysis indicated significantly more TNF-α-positive cells in the SARS-CoV-2 group compared with the control group. These data suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein promotes taste cell apoptosis and the release of apoptosis-related cytokine TNF-α, implicating its contribution to the taste malfunction caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Insights
The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein may cause taste loss in COVID-19 patients by inducing taste cell death (apoptosis) and increasing the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. This research sheds light on the mechanisms behind taste dysfunction following infection.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Loss or alteration of taste and smell are common symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- The precise mechanisms underlying these sensory dysfunctions remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein induces apoptosis in taste cells.
- To examine the expression of the apoptosis-related cytokine TNF-α in taste cells following SARS-CoV-2 spike protein exposure.
Main Methods:
- Utilized male Sprague-Dawley rats for the study.
- Employed TUNEL assay to assess taste cell apoptosis.
- Conducted immunohistochemistry to detect TNF-α positive cells.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher apoptosis index in taste cells of the SARS-CoV-2 group compared to controls.
- Increased number of TNF-α positive cells observed in the SARS-CoV-2 group.
- Data suggests SARS-CoV-2 spike protein promotes taste cell apoptosis and TNF-α release.
Conclusions:
- The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein contributes to taste cell apoptosis.
- Elevated TNF-α levels are associated with SARS-CoV-2-induced taste cell apoptosis.
- These findings implicate the spike protein in COVID-19-related taste dysfunction.
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