Study of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interaction with macrophages in presence of vitamin D

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The macrophages are one of the most important cell populations playing a role in the development of the inflammatory response in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Indeed, the altered function of macrophages in cases of severe COVID-19 leads to a hyperactivated inflammatory response possibly due to damage of the respiratory tract epithelium and/or the interaction with viral particles through the recognition of the Toll-like receptors (TLR), even in the absence of active viral replication. Moreover, the activation and function modification of macrophages could be exacerbated in conditions of vitamin D deficiency, as described dengue virus infection.