key: cord-0882882-i55e6j1z
authors: Patrì, Angela; Fabbrocini, Gabriella
title: Possible role of neuropilins in dermatological manifestations of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
date: 2021-03-24
journal: Int J Dermatol
DOI: 10.1111/ijd.15546
sha: 409adf4ffdd9d720a756e4cc39a8b7a292dc5fdf
doc_id: 882882
cord_uid: i55e6j1z

nan

enter host cells binding the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). However, ACE2 expression pattern does not match SARS-CoV-2 tissue tropism. 2 It is possible that co-factors are needed for virus-host cell interactions in cells with low ACE2 expression. Neuropilins (NRPs) are cell surface receptors for various ligands, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). 3 Two isoforms, NRP-1 and NRP-2, display~44% sequence identity. NRP1 acts mainly as a co-receptor in different cell types, such as neurons and endothelial cells; it is involved in axon control, regulation of cell proliferation, and angiogenesis. 3 SARS-CoV-2 uses the spike (S) protein for cell attachment and entry. Cleavage of S by the host protease furin generates two polypeptides, S1 and S2, and a sequence on S1 is capable to bind NRPs. Very interestingly, the expression patterns of ACE2 and NRPs in human lung tissue and olfactory epithelium have been compared: ACE2 was detected at very low levels, while NRP1 and NRP2 were richly expressed. 2 In addition, autopsies on COVID-19 patients revealed SARS- Interestingly, an upregulation of NRP1 and NRP2 in lung tissue from COVID-19 subjects has been detected. 5 If a similar upregulation also occurred in the skin, could a different level of keratinocytes' NRPs expression explain why some individuals show skin manifestations and others do not? We do not know.

Ours are only hypotheses, but we believe they could be useful to direct researchers' investigations toward the clarification of the pathogenetic mechanisms of a disease not yet fully understood, which still claims victims all over the world.

SARS-CoV-2 possible contamination of genital area: implications for sexual and vertical transmission routes

Neuropilin-1 facilitates SARS-CoV-2 cell entry and infectivity

Epidermal expression of neuropilin 1 protects murine keratinocytes from UVB-induced apoptosis

Microvascular dysfunction in COVID-19: the MYSTIC study

Pulmonary vascular endothelialitis, thrombosis, and angiogenesis in Covid-19