SARS-CoV2 infection in the intestine

National Institute Of Allergy And Infectious Diseases

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Demonstrating where SARS-CoV-2 infects and replicates in intestinal epithelium in vivo has been difficult to demonstrate conclusively. Therefore, in prior studies we stained limited intestinal tissues from infected human autopsy samples for SARS-CoV2 both by immunofluorescence using antibodies to the SARS-CoV2 spike and nuclear proteins and in situ hybridization for viral RNA using RNAscope technology. In one patient with high viral loads in other tissues, we found significant viral mRNA in colon epithelial cells, and possibly within other cells in the intestinal LP that appear to be macrophages. Furthermore, we have begun to evaluate intestinal tissues from mouse models of SARS-CoV2 as a collaborator with Dr. Philip Murphys laboratory. In FY 2025, we have continued the above studies in mice infected by various routes with mouse-adapted SARS-CoV2 (MA10)to determine whether the intestine is infected mice, which cells are infected and whether infection by the intravenous route results in more infection than by intranasal innoculation. We also collaborated on a study published this FY with Dr. Murphy's laboratory which demonstrated an essential role for CXCL10 in controlling lung infection and death due to MA10 infection. Other mice with chemokine receptor deficiencies are particulary prone to MA10 infection.