摘要：SummaryIn a published case-control study (GSE152075) from SARS-CoV-2-positive (n = 403) and -negative patients (n = 50), we analyzed the response to infection assessing gene expression of host cell receptors and antiviral proteins. The expression analysis associated with reported risk factors for COVID-19 was also assessed. SARS-CoV-2 cases had higherACE2, but lowerTMPRSS2,BSG/CD147,andCTSBexpression compared with negative cases. COVID-19 patients' age negatively affectedACE2expression.MX1andMX2were higher in COVID-19 patients. A negative trend forMX1andMX2was observed as patients' age increased. Principal-component analysis determined thatACE2,MX1,MX2, andBSG/CD147expression was able to cluster non-COVID-19 and COVID-19 individuals. Multivariable regression showed thatMX1expression significantly increased for each unit of viral load increment. Altogether, these findings support differences inACE2,MX1,MX2, andBSG/CD147expression between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients and point out toMX1as a critical responder in SARS-CoV-2 infection.Graphical AbstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•COVID-19 patients present a distinct expression pattern for antiviral genes•MX1antiviral gene expression is triggered by SARS-CoV-2•MX1 can be induced by hemin, an FDA-approved drug•MX1 rises as a potential druggable targetHealth Informatics; Virology
