Peptide / Protein /Single-cell Map Of The Renin-angiotensin System In Covid-19 (RAS CoV-2)

Receptors for entry of SARS-CoV-2 into lung pneumocytes belong to the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and diseases that are associated to a dysregulation of the same system (e.g.: diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases) are thought to be associated with a bad Covid-19 prognosis. These receptors are also expressed on cells of the immune system, which is involved in diseases associated to RAS dysregulation. Our project plan to employ an integrated mass spectrometry / flow cytometry approach to build a quantitative map of the RAS, at the peptide and protein level together with a single cell analysis of the immune cells in individuals infected by the SARS-CoV-2. The aim of the project is to use this integrated map together with data and metadata generated by running clinical trials to find correlations to Covid-19 prognosis. We expect to build a mechanistic model on how viral infection modulates the RAS, the immune system, and the expression of the receptors. Finally, we wish to find a potential biomarker for Covid-19 prognosis by a simple flow cytometric assay transferable to the clinic.