Cell-type-resolved quantitative proteomics map of interferon response against SARS-CoV-2

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Cell Biology
• Proteomics

Background:

• Laboratory cell lines are critical for studying emerging virus pathogenicity and antiviral assays.
• Understanding SARS-CoV-2 tropism and cytopathogenicity in different cell types is essential for effective research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the tropism and cytopathogenicity of the first Swedish SARS-CoV-2 isolate in six human cell lines.
• To compare viral growth characteristics and analyze protein abundance profiles in susceptible cell lines.
• To identify cell-type specific cellular responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Methods:

• Infection of six human cell lines (Calu-3, Caco2, Huh7, 293FT, etc.) with the Swedish SARS-CoV-2 isolate.
• Assessment of viral tropism, cytopathogenicity, and growth kinetics.
• Quantitative proteomics to analyze protein abundance changes in infected cells.

Main Results:

• Calu-3, Caco2, Huh7, and 293FT cells demonstrated high-to-moderate susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2.
• Caco2 cells supported high viral titers with minimal cytopathic effect.
• Proteomics identified cell-type specific pathway regulation, with Type-I interferon signaling commonly dysregulated in Caco2, Calu-3, and Huh7 cells.

Conclusions:

• SARS-CoV-2 exhibits cell-type specific variability in cytopathogenicity, susceptibility, and host cellular response.
• These findings provide valuable insights for selecting appropriate cell models in future SARS-CoV-2 research and antiviral development.