Smoke and Spike: Benzo[a]pyrene Enhances SARS‐CoV‐2 Infection by Boosting NR4A2‐Induced ACE2 and TMPRSS2 Expression (Adv. Sci. 26/2023)

Coronavirus Disease Benzo[a]pyrene is a major active ingredient of cigarette smoke that induces the expression of a transcription factor, NR4A2, and promotes the binding of NR4A2 to promoters of ACE2 and TMPRSS2. Thus, benzo[a]pyrene promotes the infection of SARS-CoV-2 through up-regulating two receptors of SARS-CoV-2. This study elucidates the mechanisms underlying the detrimental effects of cigarette smoking on SARS-CoV-2 infection and provides prophylactic options for COVID-19. More details can be found in article number 2300834 by Guangwen Cao and co-workers.