Adipose tissue in COVID-19: detection of SARS-CoV-2 in adipocytes and activation of the interferon-alpha response.

Alessio BasoloA M PomaD BonuccelliA ProiettiE MacerolaC UgoliniL TorregrossaR GianniniP VignaliF BasoloF SantiniA Toniolo

Published in: Journal of endocrinological investigation (2022)

In lethal COVID-19 cases, the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen has been detected in a sizeable proportion of adipocytes, showing that the virus may directly infect the parenchymal cells of subcutaneous fat. Infection appears to activate the IFN alpha pathway and to attract infiltrating leukocytes. Due to the huge numbers of adipocytes in adults, the adipose tissue represents a significant reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 and an important source of inflammatory mediators.

Keyphrases

sars cov
adipose tissue
respiratory syndrome coronavirus
insulin resistance
high fat diet
dendritic cells
induced apoptosis
oxidative stress
cell cycle arrest
immune response
peripheral blood
signaling pathway
type diabetes
loop mediated isothermal amplification
real time pcr
pi k akt