New study suggests 2019-nCoV may hit men, Asian people harder
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June 30 07:28:48, 2025
In the ongoing 2019-nCoV outbreak in China, a notable trend has emerged: more men than women have died from the virus, with a male-to-female death ratio of about 2 to 1. A recent study, though preliminary, suggests that biological differences—specifically in the expression of a protein called ACE2—might help explain this disparity.
The research, based on a single-cell RNA sequencing dataset, found that ACE2, the receptor the virus uses to enter human cells, is expressed at higher levels in certain lung cells—particularly alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells—in men and Asian individuals. This could make these groups more vulnerable to severe infection, according to the researchers. While the findings are not yet conclusive, they align with broader patterns seen in other viral diseases like SARS and influenza, where men also tend to experience more severe outcomes.
Single-cell RNA sequencing allows scientists to analyze gene activity in individual cells, offering a detailed look at how different cell types behave under various conditions. In this case, the team examined lung tissue samples from eight donors and identified that AT2 cells were the main site of ACE2 expression. They observed that two male donors had higher ACE2 levels compared to six females, and one Asian man showed particularly high expression.
However, the study’s small sample size—just two men and one Asian participant—limits its generalizability. Critics argue that such a limited dataset makes it premature to draw broad conclusions. Moreover, collecting more data would be challenging due to the need for lung tissue samples and the high cost of single-cell RNA sequencing.
Despite these limitations, the hypothesis remains intriguing. If confirmed, it could lead to new strategies for treating or preventing severe cases of 2019-nCoV. For instance, targeting ACE2 through drugs or other methods might reduce viral entry into cells. However, current ACE2-targeting medications work by inhibiting the enzyme, not blocking the receptor, so their effectiveness against the virus remains uncertain.
Other viruses that use ACE2, such as SARS and seasonal flu, also show a tendency to affect men more severely. This raises the possibility that ACE2 expression differences may play a role in broader viral susceptibility. While more research is needed, the findings highlight the importance of understanding biological factors that influence disease outcomes. Whether this leads to meaningful clinical applications remains to be seen.