AUTHOR=Lu Zhichao , Wang Ziheng , Song Zhuhuan , Chen Chen , Ma He , Gong Peipei , Xu Yunzhao 

TITLE=Single-cell sequencing of brain tissues reveal the central nervous system’s susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 and the drug

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology

VOLUME=13

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.971017

DOI=10.3389/fphar.2022.971017

ISSN=1663-9812

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Background:</bold> The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the current COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a public health crisis that required immediate action. The SARS-CoV-2 virus enters human cells via three receptors, namely cathepsin, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and SARS-CoV receptors. Cathepsin destroys the spike protein (S protein), thereby allowing the entry of viral nucleic acid into human host cells.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> Utilizing single-cell transcriptome analysis of brain tissues, the vulnerability of the central nervous system to infection with SARS-CoV-2 in humans was investigated.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> ACE2 is mainly expressed in endothelial cells, with the highest levels found in ageing endothelial cells. Drug prediction suggests that (-)-catechin reduces the effects of COVID-19 on the nervous system. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that ACE2 was mainly expressed in cerebral vessels. Immunofluroscenceresults showed the co-expression of CD31 and ACE2 in human tissues. Western blot further showed that ACE2 expression was higher in old rats than in young rats.</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> This study provides insight into the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 brain invasion. Accordingly, patients with neurological symptoms who are infected with SARS-CoV-2 should be given individualised care.</p>