Characterization of ACE Inhibitors and AT₁R Antagonists with Regard to Their Effect on ACE2 Expression and Infection with SARS-CoV-2 Using a Caco-2 Cell Model.

ABSTRACT: Blood-pressure-lowering drugs are proposed to foster SARS-CoV-2 infection by pharmacological upregulation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the binding partner of the virus spike (S) protein, located on the surface of the host cells. Conversely, it is postulated that angiotensin-renin system antagonists may prevent lung damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, by reducing angiotensin II levels, which can induce permeability of lung endothelial barrier via its interaction with the AT₁ receptor (AT₁R).

Methods

We have investigated the influence of the ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, captopril) and the AT₁ antagonists (telmisartan, olmesartan) on the level of ACE2 mRNA and protein expression as well as their influence on the cytopathic effect of SARS-CoV-2 and on the cell barrier integrity in a Caco-2 cell model.

Results

The drugs revealed no effect on ACE2 mRNA and protein expression. ACE inhibitors and AT₁R antagonist olmesartan did not influence the infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 and were unable to prevent the SARS-CoV-2-induced cell barrier disturbance. A concentration of 25 µg/mL telmisartan significantly reduced the virus replication rate.

Conclusion

ACE inhibitors and AT₁R antagonist showed neither beneficial nor detrimental effects on SARS-CoV-2-infection and cell barrier integrity in vitro at pharmacologically relevant concentrations.

SUBMITTER: Reus P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8399150 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature