Scientists from the University of California, Riverside (USA) have discovered a new genetic risk factor for infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which leads to coronavirus disease COVID-19.
This discovery provides new insight into the ability of the virus to penetrate human cells, reports EurekAlert.
The study…shows that a loss-of-function variant of the phosphatase gene PTPN2, commonly associated with autoimmune diseases, may increase expression of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2, making cells more susceptible to viral invasion, the paper states.
A loss-of-function variant is a genetic modification that disrupts or completely disables the normal function of a protein. As is known, the ACE2 protein present on the surface of many cells acts as a receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus and allows it to infect cells.
Our findings suggest that people with reduced PTPN2 activity may face a higher risk of infection due to an increase in ACE2, which serves as the entry point for SARS-CoV-2 into human cells, the scientists note.
PTPN2, expressed in cells throughout the body, normally removes phosphate from other proteins and enzymes, thereby reducing their activity. It acts as a brake. If PTPN2 loses its function, it means the brake isn’t working properly and you get more inflammatory signals, the researchers add.
It is noted that this discovery provides greater insight into how genetic factors influence susceptibility to COVID-19 and suggests potential therapeutic avenues to reduce this risk.
“We showed that a variant of this gene, long associated with autoimmune disorders, can make certain cells more vulnerable to the virus,” the researchers note.
The study also showed that this risk could be reduced with tofacitinib, a drug used to treat ulcerative colitis, the researchers said. It stops the increased expression of ACE2 on cells of the lungs, intestines and immune system, thereby reducing susceptibility to viral invasion.
Tofacitinib is a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, a class of drugs widely used to treat chronic inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases. According to scientists, further research into the potential of these drugs in the fight against coronavirus could be a key factor in more effectively combating the pandemic, especially in vulnerable groups.
Source: EurekAlert
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