Human T2R38 Bitter Taste Receptor Expression and COVID-19: From Immunity to Prognosis

Lakshmi Deepak Bethineedi; Hediyeh Baghsheikhi; Afsaneh Soltani; Zahedeh Mafi; Noosha Samieefar; Shaikh Sanjid Seraj; Mohammad Amin Khazeei Tabari

Human T2R38 Bitter Taste Receptor Expression and COVID-19: From Immunity to Prognosis

Avicenna J Med Biotechnol. 2023 Apr-Jun;15(2):118-123.

Authors

Lakshmi Deepak Bethineedi¹, Hediyeh Baghsheikhi^{2

3}, Afsaneh Soltani^{2

3}, Zahedeh Mafi^{2

3}, Noosha Samieefar^{2

3}, Shaikh Sanjid Seraj⁴, Mohammad Amin Khazeei Tabari^{5

6}

Affiliations

¹ Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India.
² Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
³ USERN Office, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
⁴ Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, Walsall Manor Hospital, Walsall, United Kingdom.
⁵ Student Research Committee, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
⁶ USERN Office, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.

PMID: 37034895
PMCID: PMC10073923

Abstract

Background: Bitter taste-sensing type 2 receptor (T2Rs or TAS2Rs) found on ciliated epithelial cells and solitary chemosensory cells have a role in respiratory tract immunity. T2Rs have shown protection against SARS-CoV-2 by enhancing the innate immune response. The purpose of this review is to outline the current sphere of knowledge regarding this association.

Methods: A narrative review of the literature was done by searching (T2R38 OR bitter taste receptor) AND (COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2) keywords in PubMed and google scholar.

Results: T2R38, an isoform of T2Rs encoded by the TAS2R38 gene, may have a potential association between phenotypic expression of T2R38 and prognosis of COVID-19. Current studies suggest that due to different genotypes and widespread distributions of T2Rs within the respiratory tract and their role in innate immunity, treatment protocols for COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases may change accordingly. Based on the phenotypic expression of T2R38, it varies in innate immunity and host response to respiratory infection, systemic symptoms and hospitalization.

Conclusion: This review reveals that patients' innate immune response to SARS-COV-2 could be influenced by T2R38 receptor allelic variations.

Keywords: Bitter taste receptors (T2Rs); COVID-19; Coronavirus disease; Infection; T2R38.