ACE2 and TMPRSS2 Potential Involvement in Genetic Susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 in Cancer Patients

The study investigated the potential genetic susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 in cancer patients by analyzing the expressions and genetic variants of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Data from public repositories revealed that ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expressions were higher in tumors from males and elderly patients compared to healthy individuals. The study found that ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were more expressed in the age group 20 to 59 years and in male tumors, with significant differences in expression levels. Additionally, a variant in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding site, S19P, was found exclusively in Africans at a low frequency. The findings suggested that targeting ACE2 and TMPRSS2 regulation could be beneficial for preventive and therapeutic strategies, particularly in cancer patients, although further research was needed to establish a direct correlation with COVID-19 incidence.