Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is wreaking havoc around the world. Considering that extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from SARS-CoV-2 infected cells might play a role in a viremic phase contributing to disease progression and that standard methods for EV isolation have been reported to co-isolate viral particles, we would like to recommend the use of heightened laboratory safety measures during the isolation of EVs derived from SARS-CoV-2 infected tissue and blood from COVID-19 patients. Research needs to be conducted to better understand the role of EVs in SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, disease progression, and transmission. EV isolation procedures should include approaches for protection from SARS-CoV-2 contamination. We recommend the EV and virology scientific communities develop collaborative projects where relationships between endogenous EVs and potentially lethal enveloped viruses are addressed to better understand the risks and pathobiology involved.
Highlights
The SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic is wreaking havoc around the globe
There remain significant gaps in our understanding of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms by which the virus causes disease. It is unknown whether extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 progression
In addition to affecting the upper respiratory tract and lungs, the virus can be detected in the blood, intestines, heart, kidneys, liver, sperm, eyes, and possibly the brain, suggesting a viremic phase contributes to the pathophysiologic abnormalities observed in COVID-19 [3]
Summary
The SARS-CoV-2 virus pandemic is wreaking havoc around the globe. There remain significant gaps in our understanding of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms by which the virus causes disease. It is unknown whether extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 progression. A potential role of EVs in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 progression has been recently hypothesized [1, 2]. In addition to affecting the upper respiratory tract and lungs, the virus can be detected in the blood, intestines, heart, kidneys, liver, sperm, eyes, and possibly the brain, suggesting a viremic phase contributes to the pathophysiologic abnormalities observed in COVID-19 [3]
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