TMPRSS2, a SARS-CoV-2 internalization protease is downregulated in head and neck cancer patients

BackgroundSARS-coronavirus-2 enters host cells through binding of the Spike protein to ACE2 receptor and subsequent S priming by the TMPRSS2 protease. We aim to assess differences in both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 expression in normal tissues from oral cavity, pharynx, larynx and lung tissues as well as neoplastic tissues from the same areas.MethodsThe study has been conducted using the TCGA and the Regina Elena Institute databases and validated by …