Human Nasal Epithelial Cells Sustain Persistent SARS-CoV-2 Infection <i>In Vitro</i> , despite Eliciting a Prolonged Antiviral Response
Akshamal M. Gamage, Kai Sen Tan, Wharton O. Y. Chan, Zhe Zhang Ryan Lew, Jing Liu, Chee Wah Tan, Deepa Rajagopalan, Quy Xiao Xuan Lin, Le Min Tan, Prasanna Nori Venkatesh, Yew Kwang Ong, Mark Thong, Raymond Tzer Pin Lin, Shyam Prabhakar, De Yun Wang, Lin‐Fa Wang
Abstract
differentiated human NECs are persistently infected with SARS-CoV-2 for up to 28 dpi. This viral replication occurred despite the presence of an antiviral gene signature across all NEC cell types even at 28 dpi. This indicates that epithelial cell intrinsic antiviral responses are insufficient for the clearance of SARS-CoV-2, implying an essential role for tissue-resident and infiltrating immune cells for eventual viral clearance from infected airway tissue in COVID-19 patients.
Topics & Concepts
In vitroPersistence (discontinuity)VirologySevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)Viral sheddingCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)BiologySars virusVirusImmunology2019-20 coronavirus outbreakMedicineDiseaseOutbreakPathologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)GeneticsEngineeringGeotechnical engineeringSARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchLong-Term Effects of COVID-19COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies