Prolonged acute inflammatory responses of colonic epithelial cells to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein: implications for gastrointestinal manifestations in COVID-19
AIM: This study aims to investigate the proinflammatory responses of colonic epithelial cells to the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein, known for its role in provoking significant inflammatory reactions leading to severe clinical outcomes. BACKGROUND: Patients with COVID-19 often exhibit a range of gastr...
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| Main Authors: | , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Elsevier
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221371652400403X |
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| Summary: | AIM: This study aims to investigate the proinflammatory responses of colonic epithelial cells to the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein, known for its role in provoking significant inflammatory reactions leading to severe clinical outcomes. BACKGROUND: Patients with COVID-19 often exhibit a range of gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and anorexia, in addition to respiratory issues. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of these symptoms is crucial for developing targeted therapeutic strategies. METHODS: Human colonic epithelial cells were exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 S protein at various time points (12h,24h,48h,72h). Cell viability was assessed, and the expression levels of key proinflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6) were quantified using qRT-PCR. Data were analyzed using t-tests and linear regression to determine the significance of changes in cytokine expression. RESULTS: Distinct patterns of cytokine expression were observed in response to the S protein. The S protein elicited a prolonged proinflammatory response, with initially lower cytokine levels that persisted longer, particularly at 48h and 72h. These findings highlight the impact of the spike protein on proinflammatory gene expression in colonic epithelial cells over specific time intervals. CONCLUSIONS: The SARS-CoV-2 S protein induces a sustained inflammatory response in colonic epithelial cells, potentially contributing to the persistent gastrointestinal symptoms observed in COVID- 19. These insights into the molecular mechanisms of inflammatory responses in viral infections can inform therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing excessive inflammation and improving patient outcomes. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for addressing the gastrointestinal manifestations of COVID-19 and enhancing the effectiveness of treatments. |
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| ISSN: | 2213-7165 |