Type 2 Immunity and Age Modify Gene Expression of Coronavirus-induced Disease 2019 Receptors in Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders

Austin W.T. Chiang, Loan D. Duong, Tetsuo Shoda, Quan M. Nhu, Melanie Ruffner, Takeo Hara, Bailey Aaron, Erik Joplin, Mario C. Manresa, J. Pablo Abonia, Evan S. Dellon, Ikuo Hirano, Nirmala Gonsalves, Sandeep K. Gupta, Glenn T. Furuta, Marc E. Rothenberg, Nathan E. Lewis, Amanda B. Muir, Seema S. Aceves*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) can lead to coronavirus-induced disease 2019 (COVID-19). The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is now an appreciated portal of infection. SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells via angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) and the serine protease TMPRSS2. Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders (EGIDs) are inflammatory conditions caused by chronic type 2 (T2) inflammation. the effects of the T2 atopic inflammatory milieu on SARS-COV-2 viral entry gene expression in the GI tract is poorly understood. We analyzed tissue ACE2 and TMPRSS2 gene expression in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), eosinophilic gastritis (EG), and in normal adult esophagi using publicly available RNA-sequencing datasets. Similar to findings evaluating the airway, there was no difference in tissue ACE2/TMPRSS2 expression in EoE or EG when compared with control non-EoE/EG esophagus/stomach. ACE2 gene expression was significantly lower in esophagi from children with or without EoE and from adults with EoE as compared with normal adult esophagi. Type 2 immunity and pediatric age could be protective for infection by SARS-CoV-2 in the gastrointestinal tract because of decreased expression of ACE2.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)718-722
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
Volume72
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2021

Funding

Keywords

  • angiotensin-converting enzyme
  • atopy
  • eosinophilic esophagitis
  • gastrointestinal
  • inflammation
  • pediatric
  • severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Gastroenterology
  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Type 2 Immunity and Age Modify Gene Expression of Coronavirus-induced Disease 2019 Receptors in Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this