Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Coronavirus Infection: Interaction Network Analysis

Abstract

Amal Bouzid, Asmaa T Uthman, Noor N Al-Rawi, Natheer H Al-Rawi

Background: This study objective was to investigate, through interaction network analysis, the target genes involved in the pathogenesis of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in coronavirus infection. Method: Genes participating in the pathogenesis of NETs were recognized in GeneCards database. Gene list was extended, and the gene interactions network was mapped using the STRING software. Weighted number of links (WNL) were calculated to identify “leader genes”. Total interactions score (TIS) was calculated using all interaction data generated by the STRING database. The ontological analyses were also performed using BinGO plugin and Cytoscape software. Results: Seven sets of genes (IL6, TNF, CRP, CXCL8, IL-1ß, IL17A and IL-1a) were identified in the GeneCards database. The suggested leader genes from the results of interaction scores were IL-6, TNF, IL-1ß and CXCL-8 with the highest adjusted WNL values. However, the most influential genes in the network were IL-17 and CRP, with WNL/TIS ratios of 0.988 and 0.986, respectively. Conclusion: The above results might suggest the participation of potential genes to facilitate the understanding of complex pathogenesis mechanisms of coronavirus infection. The clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 infection can be modulated by evaluating the activity of NETosis which represents a promising therapeutic target for the COVID-19.