Fig. 6.

Graphical representation of the main process predicted in NHBE cells infected with SARS-CoV₂. Panel A and B show our hypothesis of key events in SARS-CoV₂ pathogenesis, which is based on extremely limited observations on an in vitro model of NHBE cell infected with SARS-CoV₂ at MOI 2 for 24 h. After the inoculation of SARS-CoV₂, the NHBE cells were infected. We hypothesize that viral entry could be facilitated by another cell-surface protein, carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell-adhesion molecule 7 (CEACAM7), which is also expressed in gastrointestinal tract. This mechanism could be similar to that used by the MERS-CoV virus. In that case, the virus uses the CEACAM5 protein to infect the cells of the bronchial epithelium. Inflammatory signaling molecules that are released by infected cells (CSF3, c8orf4), recruits.