Conjunctival epithelial cells resist productive SARS-CoV-2 infection
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ABSTRACT: Although tropism of SARS-CoV-2 for respiratory tract epithelial cells is well established, an open question is whether the conjunctival epithelium is also a target for SARS-CoV-2. Conjunctival epithelial cells, which express viral entry receptors ACE2 and TMPRSS2, constitute the largest exposed epithelium of the ocular surface tissue, and may represent a relevant viral entry route. To address this question, we generated an organotypic air-liquid-interface model of conjunctival epithelium, composed of progenitor, basal and superficial epithelial cells and fibroblasts, which could be maintained successfully up to day 75 of differentiation. Using single cell RNA-Seq, with complementary imaging and virological assays, we observed that while all conjunctival cell types were permissive to SARS-CoV-2 genome expression, a productive infection did not ensure. The early innate immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in conjunctival cells was characterised by a robust NF-Kβ activity, alongside evidence of suppression of antiviral interferon signalling. Collectively these data enrich our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 infection at the human ocular surface, with potential implications for the design of preventive strategies such as personal protective equipment.
ORGANISM(S): Homo sapiens
PROVIDER: GSE191232 | GEO | 2022/06/06
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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