Host determinants and responses underlying SARS-CoV-2 liver tropism

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and Virology
• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Hepatic sequelae are common in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and correlate with increased disease severity.
• Understanding host factors in liver injury is crucial for managing COVID-19 patients.
• Causes of liver injury extend beyond drug toxicity and inflammation, with direct viral involvement suggested.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore host factors contributing to hepatic impairment in COVID-19.
• To review evidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in liver cells.
• To elucidate infection-induced cellular processes impacting liver function.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing scientific literature and studies.
• Analysis of reports on SARS-CoV-2 presence in liver autopsies.
• Examination of susceptibility of human hepatocytes to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Results:

• Hepatic cells express numerous factors facilitating SARS-CoV-2 entry.
• Evidence supports direct infection of various liver cell types by SARS-CoV-2.
• Infection triggers cell-intrinsic processes contributing to liver damage.

Conclusions:

• SARS-CoV-2 directly infects liver cells, contributing to COVID-19-related hepatic impairment.
• Understanding viral-hepatocyte interactions is key for clinical management of COVID-19.
• Further research into cellular mechanisms of viral hepatitis is warranted.