NYMC Faculty Publications
Pannexin-1 Channel Opening is Critical for COVID-19 Pathogenesis
Author Type(s)
Faculty
Journal Title
iScience
First Page
103478
Last Page
103478
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-17-2021
Department
Cell Biology and Anatomy
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rapidly rampaged worldwide, causing a pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID -19), but the biology of SARS-CoV-2 remains under investigation. We demonstrate that both SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and human coronavirus 229E (hCoV-229E) or its purified S protein, one of the main viruses responsible for the common cold, induce the transient opening of Pannexin-1 (Panx-1) channels in human lung epithelial cells. However, the Panx-1 channel opening induced by SARS-CoV-2 is greater and more prolonged than hCoV-229E/S protein, resulting in an enhanced ATP, PGE2, and IL-1β release. Analysis of lung lavages and tissues indicate that Panx-1 mRNA expression is associated with increased ATP, PGE2, and IL-1β levels. Panx-1 channel opening induced by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), endocytosis, and furin dependent. Overall, we demonstrated that Panx-1 channel is a critical contributor to SARS-CoV-2 infection and should be considered as an alternative therapy.
Recommended Citation
Luu, R., Valdebenito, S., Scemes, E., Cibelli, A., Spray, D. C., Rovegno, M., Tichauer, J., Cottignies-Calamarte, A., Rosenberg, A., Capron, C., Belouzard, S., Dubuisson, J., Annane, D., de la Grandmaison, G., Cramer-Bordé, E., Bomsel, M., & Eugenin, E. (2021). Pannexin-1 Channel Opening is Critical for COVID-19 Pathogenesis. iScience, 24 (12), 103478-103478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2021.103478
