Advances in SARS-CoV-2 S protein-induced inflammatory response of respiratory epithelial cells

Abstract:

Pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection poses a threat to human life and health, resulting in great socio-economic losses. The structural protein spike protein (S protein) of viruses has always been considered to primarily mediate virus invasion into host cells. S protein can act independently of viruses and cause inflammatory reactions on a variety of cells, therefore, understanding the impact of S protein on the respiratory tract can provide a new perspective for the prevention and treatment of COVID -19. This article reviews the advances in the possible mechanisms and clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 structural protein S protein-induced inflammatory response in respiratory epithelial cells, aiming to provide reference for the prevention and treatment of diseases.