Impact of environmental stress on skin integrity and consequences for susceptibility to infection with SARS-CoV-2 – INTEGRSKIN

We use novel approaches to measure molecular and cellular immune mechanisms triggered in skin, in response to environmental aggressions And we study the regulation of the expression of SARS-CoV-2 receptors to evaluate whether the skin can be an alternative route of infection.

We successfully developed an in vitro model of compromised skin. We evaluate the expression of SARS-CoV-2 receptors in healthy and inflamed skin.

We will use this knowledge to develop innovative in vitro efficacy and safety screening tests that would provide tools to identify compounds that prevent and treat damaged skin.

Barthe M, Hertereau L, Lamghari N, Osman-Ponchet H*, and VM Braud*. 2023.Receptors and Cofactors That Contribute to SARS-CoV-2 Entry: Can Skin Be an Alternative Route of Entry? Int. J. Mol. Sci. 24(7), 6253. doi: 10.3390/ijms24076253

The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 has caused the pandemic associated with the severe acute pulmonary disease named COVID-19. Cell entry of virus depends on the availability of virus receptors and entry cofactors on the surface of host cells. These receptors have been shown to be expressed in human skin making the skin potential target of viral invasion, especially in conditions of skin barrier dysfunction. Recommended skin protective measures to reduce spread of the virus such as prolonged use of protective gloves and face mask, frequent hand washing with soaps and disinfectants causes irritation, contact dermatitis and epidermal barrier disruption, increasing the risk of skin infection with the virus.
The project will evaluate the impact of environmental stress exacerbated by the protection and hygiene measures during Covid-19 pandemic, on skin integrity and skin immune surveillance and provide innovative in vitro methods of screening compounds that prevent and treat skin damages and modulate SARS-CoV-2 receptors in the skin.
The project will identify novel immune mechanisms put in place in response to external aggressions and mechanisms that could potentiate or prevent SARS-CoV-2 entry via the skin. Such mechanisms represent new potential therapeutic avenue, which has not been adequately addressed. Furthermore, results will provide novel in vitro screening tests to evaluate efficacy and safety of drugs and natural compounds that prevent and treat skin complications. Finally, the project will identify potential drugs/compounds to prevent/treat skin barrier damages and modulate virus receptors in the skin to reduce/block virus entry.