Altered expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry and processing genes by Porphyromonas gingivalis-derived lipopolysaccharide, inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin E2 in human gingival fibroblasts

• Published in: Archives of oral biology 2021-09, Vol.129, p.105201-105201, Article 105201
• Main Authors: Sena, Kotaro, Furue, Kirara, Setoguchi, Fumiaki, Noguchi, Kazuyuki
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2; Basigin; COVID-19; Furin; Transmembrane serine protease 2
• ISSN: 0003-9969; 1879-1506
• DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2021.105201

•Human gingival fibroblasts express SARS-CoV-2 entry and processing genes.•PgLPS, IL1β, TNFα, and PGE2 alters expression of ACE2, TMPRSS2, BSG, and FURIN.•Periodontal tissue may be involved in an entry route for SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry and processing genes in human gingival fibroblasts (HGnF) following treatment with Porphyromonas gingivalis-derived lipopolysaccharide (PgLPS) or inflammatory cytokines/mediators. We assessed the expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry and processing genes; angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), cellular serine proteases transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), Furin, and basigin (BSG) in HGnF by real-time PCR. To further asses the contribution of PgLPS and inflammatory cytokines/mediators to proliferation and SARS-CoV-2 entry and processing gene expression, HGnF were treated with PgLPS, IL1β, TNFα, and PGE2. The expression for ACE2 in HGnF was significantly elevated after PgLPS or IL1β, TNFα, PGE2 treatment. The expression of TMPRSS2 was increased by PgLPS, IL1β, or PGE2 while BSG was elevated by PgLPS and IL1β. The expression of BSG and FURIN decreased after TNFα treatment. SARS-CoV-2 entry and processing genes are expressed in human gingival fibroblasts and their expressions are altered by PgLPS, IL1β, TNFα and PGE2 treatment.