Age-dependent appearance of SARS-CoV-2 entry sites in mouse chemosensory systems reflects COVID-19 anosmia-ageusia symptoms

COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a collective scientific effort to study its viral causing agent SARS-CoV-2. Research is focusing in particular on its infection mechanisms and on the associated-disease symptoms. Interestingly, this environmental pathogen directly affects the human chemosensory systems leading to anosmia and ageusia. Evidence for the presence of the cellular entry sites of the virus, the ACE2/TMPRSS2 proteins, has been reported in non-chemosensory cells in the rodent's nose and mouth, missing a direct correlation between the symptoms reported in patients and the observed direct viral infection in human sensory cells. Here, mapping the gene and protein expression of ACE2/TMPRSS2 in the mouse olfactory and gustatory cells, we precisely identify the virus target cells to be of basal and sensory origin and reveal the age-dependent appearance of viral entry-sites. Our results propose an alternative interpretation of the human viral-induced sensory symptoms and give investigative perspectives on animal models. Brechbuhl et al characterise the gene and protein expression of ACE2/TMPRSS2 in the mouse olfactory and gustatory cells, which reveals that SARS-CoV-2 target cells are of basal and sensory origin. They also demonstrate an age-dependent appearance of viral entry-sites, which could inform the use of mouse models in the investigation of SARS-CoV-2 effects on olfaction.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a global scientific effort to study the SARS-CoV-2 virus, with a focus on infection mechanisms and symptoms. Research shows that the virus directly affects the human chemosensory systems, leading to anosmia and ageusia. Mouse experiments suggest that the virus targets basal and sensory cells, with viral entry sites appearing age-dependently.