New findings suggest e-cigarette aerosols may raise cells’ susceptibility to coronavirus
Researchers report that inhaling aerosols from electronic cigarettes could heighten the body’s vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The work, shared as a preprint on bioRxiv, outlines how exposure to e-cigarette vapor alters cellular interactions with coronavirus-like particles in a controlled lab setting.
In the study, investigators procured multiple e-cigarette devices and a variety of nicotine-containing liquids. A specialized apparatus produced a consistent aerosol pattern emulating real-world use. Cultured cells were then exposed to this aerosol and observed for changes in their response to synthetic SARS-CoV-2 particle models. The results indicated an increased ease of entry for these particle surrogates into the treated cells, especially with liquids that carried higher nicotine concentrations. The researchers noted that nicotine, along with other compounds in the liquids, appeared to amplify the activity of the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins, which are known to facilitate coronavirus entry into cells.
The authors emphasize that these findings should be weighed by media outlets and healthcare professionals when reporting on vaping and infectious disease risk. The study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that certain inhaled substances might influence cellular susceptibility to respiratory pathogens.
These observations contribute to ongoing discussions about public health messaging surrounding e-cigarette use and how it may intersect with viral infections. Further investigations are needed to determine how these laboratory observations translate to real-world exposures and clinical outcomes.