摘要：SummaryReports indicate an association between COVID-19 and anosmia, as well as the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virions in the olfactory bulb. To test whether the olfactory neuroepithelium may represent a target of the virus, we generated RNA-seq libraries from human olfactory neuroepithelia, in which we found substantial expression of the genes coding for the virus receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) and for the virus internalization enhancer TMPRSS2. We analyzed a human olfactory single-cell RNA-seq dataset and determined that sustentacular cells, which maintain the integrity of olfactory sensory neurons, expressACE2andTMPRSS2. ACE2 protein was highly expressed in a subset of sustentacular cells in human and mouse olfactory tissues. Finally, we foundACE2transcripts in specific brain cell types, both in mice and humans. Sustentacular cells thus represent a potential entry door for SARS-CoV-2 in a neuronal sensory system that is in direct connection with the brain.Graphical AbstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•SARS-CoV-2 receptors ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are expressed in olfactory neuroepithelia•ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are coexpressed in supporting sustentacular cells•A subset of neuronal and non-neuronal cells in the brain transcribeACE2Biological Sciences; Microbiology; Virology; Cell Biology; Bioinformatics; Omics; Transcriptomics
