Title:Low pH and Temperature of Airway Surface Liquid are Key
Determinants that Potentiate SARS-CoV-2 Infectivity
Volume: 22
Issue: 6
Author(s): Nilesh Kumar Sharma*Sachin C. Sarode
Affiliation:
- Cancer and Translational Research Lab, Dr. D.Y. Patil Biotechnology & Bioinformatics Institute, Dr. D.Y.
Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, 411033, India
Keywords:
Neoplasia, airway epithelial cells, cellular signaling, COVID-19, low pH, temperature.
Abstract: Overwhelming responses are seen at preclinical and clinical levels to
understand and combat coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19] pandemic that is caused
by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]. Encouraging
successes are achieved in view of diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive measures,
including vaccines development. In fact, structural information of SARS-CoV-2 and
molecular steps that help this virus target AECs are appreciably studied. Furthermore,
the heterogeneous and complex nature of COVID-19 is extensively revealed at
molecular, genetic, and epigenetic and microenvironment levels. In spite of these
developments in COVID-19 pathogenesis, the reasons behind the targeted infection by
SARS-CoV-2 to AECs are poorly understood. In this mini-review, we highlight the roles
of pH and temperature of airway surface liquid [ASL] as a key determining factor that
may contribute towards enhanced targeted infection by SARS-CoV-2 leading to COVID-
19.