Enhanced isolation of SARS-CoV-2 by TMPRSS2-expressing cells

TMPRSS2 (Transmembrane protease, serine 2) is a essential factor for the cell entry of SARS-CoV-2. Vero E6 cell line constitutively expressing TMPRSS2 is highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, thus is useful to isolate a SARS-CoV-2 from clinical specimen. A SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 is also highly expressed in Vero E6 cells, which is one of the reasons for the choice of this cell line.