Dear editor,
Albini et al. describe the role of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2-receptor in COVID-19: the receptor acts as a viral receptor and is expressed on the surface of several pulmonary and extra-pulmonary cell types. Because chromosome X is harbouring the gene coding for ACE-2, this could be one of the possible explanations of why mortality of COVID-19 in female patients is lower. The authors pose several questions on the role of this receptor in COVID-19 that need clarification [1].
SARS-CoV-2 indeed needs the ACE-2-receptor for cell entry, but important as well, and even more, is the role of the transmembrane serine protease TMPRSS2 which is working in close contact with the ACE-receptor [1, 2].
This protease has been linked to cell entry and infection severity in Influenza, MERS, SARS-CoV-1, metapneumovirus, and SARS-CoV-2. It also reduces humoral immunity and as such influences disease severity.
The gene for the expression of TMPRSS2 is located on chromosome 21, as well as other genes for transmembrane proteases [3].
The modulation of its expression by sex steroids could contribute to the male predominance of severe infections [4].
So two different pathways can explain excess morbidity and mortality in males. The same accounts for diabetes, another risk factor for COVID-19-mortality: there appears to be also a link with both ACE-2-receptor and TMPRSS2.
Maybe, a specific group of patients can add to reveal more of the role and effect of these binding sites in viral disease course: Down patients.
Patients with Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) are known to have more severe disease course when infected by the aforementioned pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2: patients probably fall ill more frequently, have higher morbidity and excess mortality, mostly due to experiencing more severe acute respiratory distress syndrome [5].
It is assumed that overexpression of chromosome 21 genes, as a result of their presence in an extra copy, causes the Down Syndrome phenotype. In this case, over-expression of TMPRSS2 might explain why Down patients are more prone to viral diseases (Influenza, SARS-CoV-1, Metapneumovirus, MERS, and SARS-CoV-2) that use ACE-2-receptor/TMPRSS2 for cell binding/cell entry. They might get more cells infected because of more protease activity and thus more easily cell entry of the viral pathogens.
Testing the effect of available TMPRSS2 inhibitors blocking entry are warranted, besides testing ACE-receptor blockers. Patients getting ill from the second wave of COVID-19 need a better treatment regimen. Now is the time to study the candidate molecules in order to be better prepared for the second wave and to offer patients a better objective.
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References
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