Altered expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry and processing genes by Porphyromonas gingivalis-derived lipopolysaccharide, inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin E(2) in human gingival fibroblasts

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry and processing genes in human gingival fibroblasts (HGnF) following treatment with Porphyromonas gingivalis-derived lipopolysaccharide (PgLPS) or inflammatory cytokines/mediators. DESIGN: We assessed the expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry and processing genes; angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), cellular serine proteases transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), Furin, and basigin (BSG) in HGnF by real-time PCR. To further asses the contribution of PgLPS and inflammatory cytokines/mediators to proliferation and SARS-CoV-2 entry and processing gene expression, HGnF were treated with PgLPS, IL1β, TNFα, and PGE(2). RESULTS: The expression for ACE2 in HGnF was significantly elevated after PgLPS or IL1β, TNFα, PGE(2) treatment. The expression of TMPRSS2 was increased by PgLPS, IL1β, or PGE(2) while BSG was elevated by PgLPS and IL1β. The expression of BSG and FURIN decreased after TNFα treatment. CONCLUSION: SARS-CoV-2 entry and processing genes are expressed in human gingival fibroblasts and their expressions are altered by PgLPS, IL1β, TNFα and PGE(2) treatment.