Transcriptome data from human nasal epithelial cells infected by H3N2 influenza virus indicate early unbalanced ROS/RNA levels, temporarily increased aerobic fermentation linked to enhanced α-tubulin and rapid energy-dependent IRF9-marked immunization

Costa, José Hélio; Aziz, Shahid; Arnholdt-Schmitt, Birgit

Background Unbalanced ROS/RNS levels that connect to increased aerobic fermentation, which links to alpha-tubulin-based cell restructuration and cell cycle control, was identified as major complex trait for early de novo programming (‘CoV-MAC-TED’) for SARS-CoV-2 infection using diverse cell systems. Recently, this trait was also detected in human nasal epithelial cells (NECs) infected by two SARS-CoV-2 variants, making CoV-MAC-TED tested in nasal cells promising for standardized identification of anti-SARS-CoV-2 targets. To explore the use of this marker/host cell system for targeting anti-viral strategies in general, testing of further virus types is required. Results Transcriptome level profiles of H3N2 influenza-infected human NECs indicate ROS/RNS level changes and increased transcript accumulation of genes related to glycolysis, lactic fermentation and α-tubulin as early as 8 hours post infection. These changes linked to energy-dependent, IRF9-marked rapid immunization. Preliminary results point to the importance of host cell origins. Conclusion The complex trait ‘CoV-MAC-TED’ can identify early responses of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza H3N2 viruses. This indicates its appropriateness to search for common anti-viral targets in view of therapeutic design strategies. For standardization, human NECs can be used. The marker/cell system is also promising to identify differential early cell responses upon viral infections depending on individual cell origin.