Viral infiltration of pancreatic islets in patients with COVID-19

Abstract Metabolic diseases are associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 and conversely, new-onset hyperglycemia complications preexisting diabetes have been observed in patients. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis pancreatic autopsy tissue from patients using immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, RNA scope electron microscopy detected SARS-CoV-2 viral infiltration beta-cells all Using pseudoviruses, confirmed that isolated human islet cells permissive to infection. In eleven patients, examined the expression ACE2, TMPRSS other receptors factors, such as DPP4, HMBG1 NRP1, might facilitate virus entry. Whereas 70% expressed ACE2 vasculature, only 30% displayed ACE2-expression beta-cells. Even absence manifest diabetes, necroptotic cell death, immune infection may contribute varying degrees metabolic dysregulation COVID-19.