SARS-CoV2 infects pancreatic beta cells in vivo and induces cellular and subcellular disruptions that reflect beta cell dysfunction.

ABSTRACT: Increasing evidence of new-onset diabetes during the COVID19 pandemic indicates that the SARS-CoV2 virus may drive beta-cell dysfunction leading to diabetes, but it is unclear if it is a primary or secondary effect. Here, we present evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection of pancreatic beta cells in vivo using a robust and reproducible non-human primates model of mild to moderate COVID19 pathogenesis. Pancreas from SARS-CoV-2 infected subjects were positive for the SARS-CoV2 spike protein by immunohistochemistry and structures indicative of viral replication were evident by electron microscopy. Total beta cell area was decreased in SARS-CoV-2-infected pancreas, attributable to beta cell atrophy. Beta cell granularity was decreased. These histologic phenotypes persisted beyond the duration

SUBMITTER: Millette K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8312902 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature