Mass spectrometry-based proteomic platforms for better understanding of SARS-CoV-2 induced pathogenesis and potential diagnostic approaches

While protein-protein interaction is the first step of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, recent comparative proteomic profiling enabled the identification of over 11,000 protein dynamics, thus providing a comprehensive reflection of the molecular mechanisms underlying the cellular system in response to viral infection. Here we summarize and rationalize the results obtained by various mass spectrometry (MS)-based proteomic approaches applied to the functional characterization of proteins and pathways associated with SARS-CoV-2-mediated infections in humans. Comparative analysis of cell-lines versus tissue samples indicates that our knowledge in proteome profile alternation in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection is still incomplete and the tissue-specific response to SARS-CoV-2 infection can probably not be recapitulated efficiently by in vitro experiments. However, regardless of the viral infection period, sample types, and experimental strategies, a thorough cross-comparison of the recently published proteome, phosphoproteome, and interactome datasets led to the identification of a common set of proteins and kinases associated with PI3K-Akt, EGFR, MAPK, Rap1, and AMPK signaling pathways. Ephrin receptor A2 (EPHA2) was identified by 11 studies including all proteomic platforms, suggesting it as a potential future target for SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms and the development of new therapeutic strategies. We further discuss the potentials of future proteomics strategies for identifying prognostic SARS-CoV-2 responsive age-, gender-dependent, tissue-specific protein targets.

Automated summary

This study summarizes the functional characteristics of proteins and pathways associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection using mass spectrometry techniques, highlighting the incomplete understanding of proteomic changes in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and the inability to efficiently recapitulate tissue-specific responses to infection. Common proteins and kinases associated with signaling pathways were identified through cross-comparison of proteome datasets, with Ephrin receptor A2 (EPHA2) emerging as a potential future target for SARS-CoV-2 infection mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Future proteomics strategies hold promise for identifying prognostic age-, gender-dependent, tissue-specific protein targets responsive to SARS-CoV-2.