Previous studies have demonstrated that the viral spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds to a receptor protein termed angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), while another protein termed TMPRSS2 activates the viral spike protein, allowing the virus to enter and infect human cells.
Which specific cell types are infected by SARS-CoV-2?
Hi Talha,
I am not really sure if this helps but Fig.5 of this paper may provide insight to your question Article Immunology of COVID-19: current state of the science
Hi Talha Bin Emran,
As the SARS COV2 generally binds to those cells which are having the surface expression of ACE2 receptor. According to the research done, ACE2 protein localization occurs on lung alveolar epithelial cells and enterocytes of the small intestine. Furthermore, ACE2 receptor is also found to be present in arterial and venous endothelial cells, and arterial smooth muscle cells as well. In the copious case, ACE2 is present in humans in the epithelia of the lung and small intestine. Those are the sites where SARS COV2 affects generally.
Hi Talha Bin Emran,
ACE2 is expressed in lung tissue, heart, kidneys, intestines, and blood vessels. Therefore, it infects a wide range of cells in these organs.
These papers will provide you with a list of cells that are affected by SARS-CoV-2 due to the presence of ACE2 on their surfaces.
1. Article Single cell RNA sequencing of 13 human tissues identify cell...
2. Article Single-cell RNA-seq data analysis on the receptor ACE2 expre...
3. Article Understanding COVID-19 - A Molecular Perspective
According to the news of sciencedaily, researchers have identified specific types of cells that appear to be the targets of the SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus that is causing the Covid-19 pandemic.
The cells include goblet secretory cells in nasal passages, type II pneumocytes in the lungs, absorptive enterocytes in the intestine.
When it comes to how SARS-CoV-2 Invade Human Body Via ACE2 or TMPRSS2, you can read these two articles:
https://www.cusabio.com/c-20982.html
https://www.cusabio.com/c-20986.html
