Strong homology between SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein and a Mycobacterium sp. antigen allows rapid diagnosis of Mycobacterial infections and may provide specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity via the BCG vaccine.

TitleStrong homology between SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein and a Mycobacterium sp. antigen allows rapid diagnosis of Mycobacterial infections and may provide specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity via the BCG vaccine.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2020
AuthorsNuovo G, Tili E, Suster D, Matys E, Hupp L, Magro C
JournalAnn Diagn Pathol
Volume48
Pagination151600
Date Published2020 Oct
ISSN1532-8198
KeywordsAntibodies, Viral, Antigens, Viral, BCG Vaccine, Betacoronavirus, Clinical Laboratory Techniques, Coronavirus Envelope Proteins, Coronavirus Infections, COVID-19, COVID-19 Testing, Cross Reactions, Humans, Immunohistochemistry, Mycobacterium, Pandemics, Pneumonia, Viral, SARS-CoV-2, Tuberculosis, Viral Envelope Proteins
Abstract

The vaccine BCG has been reported to offer protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection. It has been hypothesized this is based on nonspecific enhancement of innate immunity. This study addressed whether there is strong homology between a SARS-CoV-2 capsid protein and a Mycobacterium bovis protein that would allow for stronger, more specific immune protection. The study also showed the utility of immunohistochemistry in the diagnostic pathology laboratory for elucidating this information. Immunohistochemistry documented that an antibody directed against the SARS-CoV-2 envelope, but not the spike or membrane proteins, strongly cross hybridized to 11/11 Mycobacterial species tested, including M. bovis. BlastP analysis showed high homology of the SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein with 12 consecutive amino acids of the protein LytR C, which is a consensus protein unique to Mycobacteria. Six additional cases of human tuberculosis with few organisms showed that the viral envelope specific antibody (5/6) was more accurate than the AFB stain (2/6) for diagnostic purposes. These data indicate BCG vaccination induces a specific immunity against SARS CoV-2 that targets the viral envelope protein that is essential for infectivity. Thus, a concurrent booster or first use of the BCG vaccine may reduce the severity of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The data also suggests the value of using the SARS-CoV-2 envelope antibody in the diagnosis of Mycobacterial infections in formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissues by the diagnostic pathologist.

DOI10.1016/j.anndiagpath.2020.151600
Alternate JournalAnn Diagn Pathol
PubMed ID32805515
PubMed Central IDPMC7423587
Related Faculty: 
Cynthia M. Magro, M.D.

Category:

Pathology & Laboratory Medicine 1300 York Avenue New York, NY 10065 Phone: (212) 746-6464
Surgical Pathology: (212) 746-2700