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. 2023 Sep 4;2(3):241-245.
doi: 10.1016/j.imj.2023.08.004. eCollection 2023 Sep.

Bacille-Calmette-Guerin modulates human macrophage and dendritic cell response to SARS-CoV-2 S-glycoprotein

Regina C Ambe  1 , Shubhang Bhalla  1 , Alejandra Alvarado  1 , Jose Barragan  1 , Jorge Cervantes  2
Affiliations

Bacille-Calmette-Guerin modulates human macrophage and dendritic cell response to SARS-CoV-2 S-glycoprotein

Regina C Ambe et al. Infect Med (Beijing). .

Abstract

Background: Given that epidemiological evidence suggests a potential protective role for Bacille-Calmette-Guerin against COVID-19, we aimed to explore whether pre-exposure of human monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells to BCG could modulate their response to SARS-CoV-2 S-glycoprotein.

Methods: Dual THP-1 cells containing 2 reporter plasmids for transcription factors NF-κB, and IRF were differentiated into macrophages over 3 days using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, or into dendritic cells over 6 days using commercial monocyte-dencritic cell differentiation media and matured with recombinant tumor necrosis factor-α. Cells were exposed to BCG for 24 h and then stimulated with SARS-CoV-2 S-glycoprotein for 24 hours.

Results: Pre-exposure of human macrophages and DCs to BCG increased IRF and NF-kb activation in response to the SARS-CoV-2 S-glycoprotein.

Conclusions: Our results showed that pre-exposure of both types of cells to BCG exhibited an increase in inflammatory transcription factors upon stimulation with S-glycoprotein. BCG-induced trained immunity may be an important tool for reducing susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity of COVID-19. Our findings help in the design of future BCG-based therapeutic approaches in the treatment of diseases caused by viral infections.

Keywords: BCG; Dendritic cell; Macrophage; SARS-CoV-2.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig. 1
Response of human Mo-DCs to S-glycoprotein upon exposure to BCG. NF-kB and IRF transcription factor activation in BCG-pretreated monocyte-derived dendritic cells (Mo-DCs) (gray bars) upon stimulation to SARS-CoV-2 S-glycoprotein stimulus. (n = 3). * P < 0.05. ns, nonsignificant.
Fig 2
Fig. 2
Response of human Mo-Mϕs to S-glycoprotein upon exposure to BCG. NF-kB and IRF transcription factor activation in BCG-pretreated monocyte-derived macrophages (Mo-Mϕs) (gray bars) upon stimulation to SARS-CoV-2 S-glycoprotein stimulus. (n = 3). * P < 0.05. ns, nonsignificant.
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