Single-cell transcriptomic atlas of blood and lung from mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 revealing distinct virulence characteristics between prototype and Omicron BA.1 strain.

ABSTRACT: The markedly reduced pathogenicity of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant in comparison to earlier strains has raised critical questions regarding its underlying mechanisms. To elucidate the host immune responses driving these differences, we performed single-cell transcriptomic profiling of lung and blood samples from human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) transgenic mice infected with either the SARS-CoV-2 prototype strain or the Omicron BA.1 variant at 5 days post-inoculation. Both strains induced a reduction in lung cell numbers, with capillary endothelial cells showing the highest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Shared transcriptional responses included upregulation of chemokine (e.g. Gnaq, Lyn, Ccl5

SUBMITTER: Rong N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12396132 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature