A suspicious role of interferon in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 by enhancing expression of ACE2

Abstract

Based on a number of published and unpublished single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets, a recent study identified putative specific cell subtypes targeted by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) and a possible role of interferon (IFN) in its pathogenesis. The rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2, the causative pathogen of COVID-19, has had global public health and economic consequences. The molecular mechanism(s) underlying the high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 remain(s) elusive. Therefore, we must follow a pragmatic and stepwise path to determine the specific target cell subsets and factors that regulate SARS-CoV-2 infection to elucidate true targets for treatment. In a recent issue of Cell , Carly and co-workers 1 identified the cell subsets targeted by SARS-CoV-2 in certain tissues. In addition, they found that IFN-α enhanced the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the receptor for SARS-CoV-2, in primary human upper airway basal cells. However, we know that IFN is cell-type- and host species-specific, indicating the need for more preclinical and clinical data to clarify the role of IFN in the pathogenesis of COVID-19.

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