More types of lung cells can be infected by SARS-CoV-2 than previously thought, scientists report

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys, University of California San Diego and their international collaborators have reported that more types of lung cells can be infected by SARS-CoV-2 than previously thought, including those without known viral receptors. The research team also reported for the first time that the lung is capable of independently mustering an inflammatory antiviral response without help from the immune system when exposed to SARS-CoV-2. This work is especially timely, as cases of COVID-19 are on the rise in the scientists' hometown of San Diego during a summertime spike.

Looking beyond the region, more than half of the states in the country have reported "very high" or "high" levels of infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Headlines have come and gone, but SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 have never left. And neither have the scientists studying it.

" Evan Snyder, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine and professor in the Human Genetics Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys "While many people experience mild or moderate symptoms, COVID-19 still kills," adds Sandra Leibel, MD, MSc, a neonatologist at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego and an associate professor of Pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine. "This virus is here to stay, and we need to learn everything we can about it so we can improve treatment and prevention." Leibel, Snyder and their collaborators reported their new discoveries about .