The non-functional ACE2 isoform, but not the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, is induced as an interferon-stimulated gene, in SARS-CoV-2 infected adults. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Oliveto, Giuseppe; Scagnolari, Carolina; Frasca, Federica; Sorrentino, Leonardo; Matera, Luigi; Nenna, Raffaella; Viscido, Agnese; Scordio, Mirko; Petrarca, Laura; Maria Zicari, Anna; Gentilini, Elio; D'Ettorre, Gabriella; Ceccarelli, Giancarlo; Midulla, Fabio; Antonelli, Guido; Pierangeli, Alessandra
• Is Part Of: Cytokine. Volume 158(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: ACE2 -- deleted ACE2 -- SARS-CoV-2 -- COVID-19 -- Interferon, ISG15; Cytokines -- Periodicals; 571.844
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155997
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-4666

Abstract

Abstract: The recently discovered truncated, non-functional, ACE2 transcript (dACE2), but not the full-length ACE2 (f-lACE2), is induced by IFNs in differentiated airway cells. We measured expression of both ACE2 isoforms in SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative subjects, in relation to Interferon-stimulated genes. A significant activation of dACE2 transcript was found, in SARS-CoV-2 positive adults either hospitalized or not, showing a positive correlation with ISG15; f-lACE2 expression was weakly activated and not ISG-related. We confirmed a specific activation of dACE2 transcript in nasopharyngeal cells, related to the mucosal IFN response.