SARS- CoV-2 uptake and inflammatory response in senescent endothelial cells are regulated by the BSG/VEGFR2 pathway

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Sakurai, Yuya; Fujioka, Yoichiro; Maishi, Nako; Takeda, Ryo; Ohba, Yusuke; Sasaki, Michihito; Teshirogi, Takahito; Ito, Wataru; Hida, Yasuhiro; Matsuda, Aya; Kido, Kanta; Orba, Yasuko; Sawa, Hirofumi; Hida, Kyoko
• 署名单位: Hokkaido University; Hokkaido University; Hokkaido University; Hokkaido University; Hokkaido University; Hokkaido University; Hokkaido University; Hokkaido University; Fujita Health University; Fujita Health University; Hokkaido University
• 刊物名称: PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0027-8936
• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2502724122
• 发表日期: 2025-08-05

摘要

Aging is a risk factor for severe COVID-19, characterized by vascular endothelial dysfunction. Although possible susceptibility of vascular endothelial cells (ECs) to SARS-CoV-2 infection has been suggested, the details of entry into cells have not been clarified. Previously, we reported that in an aged mouse model of severe COVID-19, ECs show a massive viral uptake and inflammatory response. Here, we focused on the endocytic capacity of senescent ECs. We found that the senescent ECs showed high endocytic capacity and SARS-CoV-2 virus uptake. This triggers an nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) pathway-mediated inflammatory response. Further, Basigin enhanced endocytosis in the senescent ECs by activating the intracellular vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. Thus, EC senescence is associated with enhanced SARS-CoV-2 endocytosis and subsequent vascular endothelial dysfunction. This could prove a potential target for treating severe COVID-19 in older adults.