Expressions and significances of CTSL, the target of COVID‐19 on GBM

INTRODUCTION: Cathepsin L (CTSL) is a kind of the SARS-entry-associated CoV-2's proteases, which plays a key role in the virus's entry into the cell and subsequent infection. We investigated the association between the expression level of CTSL and overall survival in Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients, to better understand the possible route and risks of new coronavirus infection for patients with GBM. METHODS: The expression level of CTSL in GBM was analyzed using TCGA and CGGA databases. The relationship between CTSL and immune infiltration levels was analyzed by means of the TIMER database. The impact of CTSL inhibitors on GBM biological activity was tested. RESULTS: The findings revealed that GBM tissues had higher CTSL expression levels than that of normal brain tissues, which was associated with a significantly lower survival rate in GBM patients. Meanwhile, the expression level of CTSL negatively correlated with purity, B cell and CD8(+) T cell in GBM. CTSL inhibitor significantly reduced growth and induced mitochondrial apoptosis. CONCLUSION: According to the findings, CTSL acts as an independent prognostic factor and can be considered as promising therapeutic target for GBM. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00432-021-03843-9.