ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in human saliva can adsorb to the oral mucosal epithelium

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is primarily transmitted through droplets. All human tissues with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serines 2 (TRMPRSS2) are potential targets of SARS-CoV-2. The role of saliva in SARS-CoV-2 transmission remains obscure. In this study, we attempted to reveal ACE2 and TRMPRSS2 protein expression in human parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands (three major salivary glands). Then, the binding function of spike protein to ACE2 in three major salivary glands was detected. The expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in human saliva from parotid glands were both examined. Exogenous recombined ACE2 and TMPRSS2 anchoring and fusing to oral mucosal epithelial cells in vitro were also unraveled. ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were found mainly to be expressed in the cytomembrane and cytoplasm of epithelial cells in the serous acinus cells in parotid and submandibular glands. Our research also discovered that the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds to ACE2 in salivary glands in vitro. Furthermore, exogenous ACE2 and TMPRSS2 can anchor and fuse to oral mucosa in vitro. Thus, the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in human saliva might have implications for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Automated summary

The study has found that ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are mainly expressed in the cytomembrane and cytoplasm of serous acinus cells in parotid and submandibular glands, while the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 can bind to ACE2 in salivary glands in vitro. Additionally, exogenous ACE2 and TMPRSS2 can anchor and fuse to oral mucosa in vitro. Therefore, the expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in human saliva may play a significant role in SARS-CoV-2 infection.