Eight Genes Found to Inhibit SARS-CoV-2

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have identified a set of human genes that fight SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study was published in Molecular Cell.

"We wanted to gain a better understanding of the cellular response to SARS-CoV-2, including what drives a strong or weak response to infection," says Sumit K. Chanda, lead author. "We've gained new insights into how the virus exploits the human cells it invades, but we are still searching for its Achille's heel so that we can develop optimal antivirals."

Based on knowledge gleaned from SARS-CoV-1, the investigators were able to develop laboratory experiments to identify the ISGs that control viral replication in COVID-19. "We found that 65 ISGs controlled SARS-CoV-2 infection, including some that inhibited the virus' ability to enter cells, some that suppressed manufacture of the RNA that is the virus's lifeblood, and a cluster of genes that inhibited assembly of the virus," says Chanda. "What was also of great interest was the fact that some of the ISGs exhibited control across unrelated viruses, such as seasonal flu, West Nile and HIV, which leads to AIDS".

The team was able to identify eight ISG’s that inhibited viral replication in the subcellular compartments. "This is important information, but we still need to learn more about the biology of the virus and investigate if genetic variability within these ISGs correlates with COVID-19 severity," Chanda added.  As a next step, the researchers will look at the biology of SARS-CoV-2 variants that continue to evolve and threaten vaccine efficacy. The team notes that they have already started gathering variants for laboratory investigation.