Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 Entry, Inflammation, and New Therapeutics in Human Lung Tissue Cells

The study developed a rapid platform using primary human lung tissue (HLT) cells to identify SARS-CoV-2 viral targets and screen for viral entry inhibitors and anti-inflammatory compounds. This method preserved key immune and structural cell populations, including alveolar type II cells, and maintained the expression of proteins like ACE2, TMPRSS2, CD147, and AXL, which are involved in viral infection. Testing 39 drug candidates revealed new compounds effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants that were missed by conventional systems. The study also found that interferons did not modulate ACE2 expression, and local inflammatory responses could be modulated by different antiviral compounds. This method provided a relevant and rapid approach for studying SARS-CoV-2-host interactions and identifying potential therapeutics.