Divergent responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection in bronchial epithelium with pre-existing respiratory diseases.

ABSTRACT: Pre-existing respiratory diseases may influence coronavirus disease (COVID-19) susceptibility and severity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the airway epithelial response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection severity in patients with chronic respiratory diseases remain unelucidated. Using an in vitro model of differentiated primary bronchial epithelial cells, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pre-existing cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our study revealed reduced susceptibility of CF and COPD airway epithelia to SARS-CoV-2, relative to that in healthy controls. Mechanistically, reduced transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) activity potentially contri

SUBMITTER: Oliva J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11914195 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature