Cigarette Smoke Increases Uptake of Influenza A Virus by Lung Epithelial Cells by Increasing Expression of Caveolin-1

Single-Cell RNA Expression Profiling of ACE2, the Receptor of SARS-CoV-2

“…We found an upregulation of CAV2 and ITGB6 genes in ACE2 -expressing AT2. These genes are components of caveolae, which is a special subcellular structure on the plasma membrane critical to the internalization of various viruses, including SARS-CoV ( 17 – 19 ). We also found an enrichment of multiple ESCRT (endosomal sorting complex required for transport) machinery gene members (including CHMP3 , CHMP5 , CHMP1A , and VPS37B ) in ACE2 -expressing AT2 cells that were related to virus budding and release ( 20 , 21 ).…”

The emergence of goblet inflammatory or ITGB6hinasal progenitor cells determines age-associated SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis

“…One explanation for increased viral spread in elderly samples could be the direct interaction of the virus with ITGB6, which forms part of the caveolae, a special subcellular structure on the plasma membrane critical to the internalisation of various viruses and respiratory pathogens 51,[67][68][69][70] . Recently, a number of in vitro studies have suggested that SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interacts directly with integrins 71,72 , and suggest that they may serve as a viral entry route into non-ACE2 expressing cells, further potentiating infection in the elderly.…”