Treatments for coronavirus disease 2019, which is
caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2
(SARS-CoV-2), are urgently needed but remain limited. SARSCoV-2 infects cells through interactions of its spike (S) protein with
angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane
protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) on host cells. Multiple cells and
organs are targeted, particularly airway epithelial cells. OM-85, a
standardized lysate of human airway bacteria with strong
immunomodulating properties and an impeccable safety profile, is
widely used to prevent recurrent respiratory infections. We found
that airway OM-85 administration inhibits Ace2 and Tmprss2
transcription in the mouse lung, suggesting that OM-85 might
hinder SARS-CoV-2/host cell interactions.
Objectives: We sought to investigate whether and how OM-85
treatment protects nonhuman primate and human epithelial
cells against SARS-CoV-2.
11/12/2021