articleJournal of VirologyJan 10, 2019Closed access

TMPRSS2 Contributes to Virus Spread and Immunopathology in the Airways of Murine Models after Coronavirus Infection

NINaoko Iwata‐YoshikawaTOTadashi OkamuraYSYukiko ShimizuHHHideki HasegawaMTMakoto Takeda

National Institute of Infectious Diseases · National Center for Global Health and Medicine

PubMed
Indexed incrossrefdoajpubmed

Abstract

Broad-spectrum antiviral drugs against highly pathogenic coronaviruses and other emerging viruses are desirable to enable a rapid response to pandemic threats. Transmembrane protease serine type 2 (TMPRSS2), a protease belonging to the type II transmembrane serine protease family, cleaves the coronavirus spike protein, making it a potential therapeutic target for coronavirus infections. Here, we examined the role of TMPRSS2 using animal models of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV infection. The results suggest that lack of TMPRSS2 in the airways reduces the severity of lung pathology after infection by SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Taken together, the results will facilitate development of novel targets for coronavirus therapy.

Citation impact

677
total citations
FWCI
80.41
Percentile
100%
References
53
Citations per year

Authors

6

Topics & keywords

Topics
Keywords
  • Biology
  • Virology
  • Betacoronavirus
  • Coronavirus
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
  • 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak
  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
  • TMPRSS2
UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Good health and well-being
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