Combustible and Electronic Cigarette Exposures Increase aCE2 activity and SaRS-CoV-2 Spike Binding.

Our studies demonstrate that tobacco and e-liquid exposures increase both ACE2 and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding. Thus, we hypothesize that nicotinemay be responsible for the increased spike protein binding and subsequent pseudovirus infection. However, the underlyingmechanisms, and the purported link to nicotine, will require additional study.We further speculate that acute but persistent increases in ACE2 and spike protein binding place tobacco users at risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Overall, these observations indicate that tobacco product use elevates ACE2 activity and increases the potential for SARS-CoV-2 infection through enhanced spike protein binding. Importantly, our results strongly urge consideration of vaping as a risk factor for COVID-19.

Ghosh a, Girish V, Yuan ML, et al. Combustible and Electronic Cigarette Exposures Increase aCE2 activity and SaRS-CoV-2 Spike Binding. american journal of respiratory and critical care medicine. 2022;205(1):129-133. doi:10.1164/rccm.202106-1377LE