ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are expressed on the human ocular surface, suggesting susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Lingli ZhouZhenhua XuGianni M CastiglioneUri S SoibermanCharles G EberhartElia J Duh

Published in: bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology (2020)

Together, these results indicate that ocular surface cells including conjunctiva are susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2, and could therefore serve as a portal of entry as well as a reservoir for person-to-person transmission of this virus. This highlights the importance of safety practices including face masks and ocular contact precautions in preventing the spread of COVID-19 disease.

Keyphrases

sars cov
respiratory syndrome coronavirus
induced apoptosis
coronavirus disease
endothelial cells
cell cycle arrest
primary care
healthcare
induced pluripotent stem cells
angiotensin ii
oxidative stress
pluripotent stem cells
angiotensin converting enzyme
signaling pathway
pi k akt