Open AccessThe inhibitory effects of toothpaste and mouthwash ingredients on the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE2, and the protease activity of TMPRSS2 in vitro
Author(s) -
Riho Tateyama-Makino,
Mari Abe-Yutori,
Toschitake Iwamoto,
Kimiko Tsutsumi,
Motonori Tsuji,
Shinya Morishita,
Kei Kurita,
Yukio Yamamoto,
Eiji Nishinaga,
Keiichi Tsukinoki
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0257705
Subject(s) - tmprss2 , protease , chemistry , serine protease , inhibitory postsynaptic potential , pharmacology , in vitro , biochemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , enzyme , biology , covid-19 , medicine , disease , pathology , neuroscience , infectious disease (medical specialty)
SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells when the viral spike protein is cleaved by transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) after binding to the host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Since ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are expressed in the tongue and gingival mucosa, the oral cavity is a potential entry point for SARS-CoV-2. This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of general ingredients of toothpastes and mouthwashes on the spike protein-ACE2 interaction and the TMPRSS2 protease activity using an in vitro assay. Both assays detected inhibitory effects of sodium tetradecene sulfonate, sodium N-lauroyl-N-methyltaurate, sodium N-lauroylsarcosinate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and copper gluconate. Molecular docking simulations suggested that these ingredients could bind to inhibitor-binding site of ACE2. Furthermore, tranexamic acid exerted inhibitory effects on TMPRSS2 protease activity. Our findings suggest that these toothpaste and mouthwash ingredients could help prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.