Warmer ambient air temperatures reduce nasal turbinate and brain infection, but increase lung inflammation in the K18-hACE2 mouse model of COVID-19

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160163
• Publication Date: 2022-11-14T07:11:07Z
• Authors: Troy Dumenil; Thuy T. Le; Daniel J. Rawle; Kexin Yan; Bing Tang; Wilson Nguyen; Cameron Bishop; Andreas Suhrbier
• Keywords: Anosmia; Mucociliary clearance; Viral infection; Histology

Warmer climatic conditions have been associated with fewer COVID-19 cases. Herein we infected K18-hACE2 mice housed at the standard animal house temperature of ∼22 °C, or ∼31 which is considered to be thermoneutral for mice. On day 2 post infection, RNA-Seq analyses showed no significant differential gene expression lung in lungs two temperatures, almost identical viral loads and type I interferon responses. There was also difference on 5, but histology clearly elevated inflammatory signatures infiltrates. Thermoneutrality thus promoted inflammation. infection 31 °C reduced nasal turbinates, consistent increased mucociliary clearance warmer ambient temperature. These had virus levels brain, an ensuing amelioration weight loss a delay mortality. air temperatures may reduce upper respiratory track olfactory epithelium, resulting brain infection. Potential relevance anosmia neurological sequelae patients discussed.