Fig. 2

SARS-CoV-2 WT and BA.5 (SARS-CoV-2) significantly trigger innate immune activation from HAE cells that can be avoided by pre-treatment with 1% P80 spray. (a) (Left) Visualization of SARS-CoV-2 infection and C3 expression in 3D pseudostratified epithelia. Multilayered epithelia were infected using SARS-CoV-2. On 4 dpi, tissues were stained for Hoechst (blue), SARS-CoV-2 S1/N (pink), complement C3 (green) and phalloidin (orange). Representative 3D and input images are shown on the left from UI (and 1% P80 treated), SARS-CoV-2- and SARS-CoV-2/1% P80-treated samples. Here, tissues were infected using Omicron BA.5, but similar results were seen for WT infection. Experiments were performed at least 4 times and representative images are shown. (Right) C3a levels were determined for UI, SARS-CoV-2- and SARS-CoV-2/P80 1%-infected epithelial and plotted on a bar graph. Experiments were independently repeated 3 times using WT and Omicron variants and are summarized herein (SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-2/ P80 1%). Data from WT and Omicron were combined and are presented independent on the variant used (SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV.2/P80 1%). (b) Supernatants from UI, SARS-CoV-2- or SARS-CoV-2/P80-infected pseudostratified epithelia were harvested 3 dpi and cytokine profiles determined using Luminex technology. Levels of cytokines are expressed in mean fluorescence intensities. Two independent experiments in duplicates were performed. Statistical significance was evaluated using One-way ANOVA and Dunnett´s post-test