Sputum ACE2, TMPRSS2 and FURIN gene expression in severe neutrophilic asthma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Patients with severe asthma may have a greater risk of dying from COVID-19 disease. Angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) and the enzyme proteases, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and FURIN, are needed for viral attachment and invasion into host cells.

Methods

We examined microarray mRNA expression of ACE2, TMPRSS2 and FURIN in sputum, bronchial brushing and bronchial biopsies of the European U-BIOPRED cohort. Clinical parameters and molecular phenotypes, including asthma severity, sputum inflammatory cells, lung functions, oral corticosteroid (OCS) use, and transcriptomic-associated clusters, were examined in relation to gene expression levels.

Results

ACE2 levels were significantly increased in sputum of severe asthma compared to mild-moderate

SUBMITTER: Kermani NZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7788167 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature