Very happy about this exciting collaboration with Loïc Guillot’s group (CRSA Sorbonne Université).
In this study published in Frontiers in Immunology, we show that Pseudomonas flagellin increases TMPRSS2 expression, especially in the context of cystic fibrosis, via activation of TLR-5 and p38 MAPK, resulting in increased SARS-CoV-2 infectivity.
Further clinical follow-up studies and in vitro experimental investigations into the mechanisms associated with the specific host response of primary CF cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection should help elucidate this matter and provide insights for future clinical care. Work in progress!
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.714027/full
Schematic illustrating the results of the study. P. aeruginosa interacts with the airway epithelial cells of pwCF, notably by activating the TLR5 signaling pathway through its virulence factor, flagellin. This activation, dependent on p38 MAPK and NF-kB, leads to an increase in TMPRSS2 which could regulate SARS-CoV-2 infectivity.
Respiratory coinfections 