Read on Twitter
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Short thread on #TMPRSS2, a cellular protease that plays a critical role for SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells. #COVID19
Disclaimer: I have limited expertise in microbiology. If you notice any mistake in my thread, please correct me.
Short thread on #TMPRSS2, a cellular protease that plays a critical role for SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells. #COVID19
Disclaimer: I have limited expertise in microbiology. If you notice any mistake in my thread, please correct me.
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As SARS-CoV-2 binds to ACE2 receptor, TMPRSS2 can activate direct fusion between virus membrane and cell membrane.
In cells expressing TMPRSS2 on their surface, endocytosis is not the only mechanism for virus entry.
As SARS-CoV-2 binds to ACE2 receptor, TMPRSS2 can activate direct fusion between virus membrane and cell membrane.
In cells expressing TMPRSS2 on their surface, endocytosis is not the only mechanism for virus entry.
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Why is that important?
Because the effect of repurposed drugs like hydroxychloroquine, which works through increasing pH in the endosome, will be attenuated by TMPRSS2. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.22.216150v1
Why is that important?
Because the effect of repurposed drugs like hydroxychloroquine, which works through increasing pH in the endosome, will be attenuated by TMPRSS2. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.22.216150v1
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Good news is that there are a few known TMPRSS2-inhibitors, including #nafamostat, camostat and #bromhexine. Good encouraging results reported from Iran for bromhexine earlier this week. https://twitter.com/mansarin/status/1285286069827756032
Good news is that there are a few known TMPRSS2-inhibitors, including #nafamostat, camostat and #bromhexine. Good encouraging results reported from Iran for bromhexine earlier this week. https://twitter.com/mansarin/status/1285286069827756032
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In addition, TMPRSS2 expression is regulated by androgens (e.g. testosterone). This may be the reason why androgen-deprivation therapy, typically used for prostate cancer, seems to be associated with lower risk of COVID-19. https://twitter.com/julienpotet/status/1268295553223401473
In addition, TMPRSS2 expression is regulated by androgens (e.g. testosterone). This may be the reason why androgen-deprivation therapy, typically used for prostate cancer, seems to be associated with lower risk of COVID-19. https://twitter.com/julienpotet/status/1268295553223401473
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The relationship between androgens and COVID-19 is actually complex. Excellent review published last week about it. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32653566/
The relationship between androgens and COVID-19 is actually complex. Excellent review published last week about it. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32653566/
