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Published on: December 23, 2020
Host cell-intrinsic innate immune recognition of SARS-CoV-2
Emily A Madden1, Michael S Diamond2
1Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Abstract:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged at the end of 2019 and caused the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Basic and clinical investigations indicate that severe forms of COVID-19 are due in part to dysregulated immune responses to virus infection. The innate immune system is the first line of host defense against most virus infections, with pathogen recognition receptors detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA and protein components and initiating pro-inflammatory and antiviral responses. Notwithstanding this response, SARS-CoV-2 proteins evade, inhibit, and skew innate immune signaling early in infection. In this review, we highlight the components of cell-based recognition of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the mechanisms employed by the virus to modulate these innate immune host defense pathways.
Insights
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, often due to immune system dysregulation. This review details how SARS-CoV-2 evades and manipulates innate immune responses for its survival.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Severe COVID-19 is linked to immune system dysregulation.
- The innate immune system is crucial for detecting viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cell-based recognition of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To highlight viral mechanisms that modulate innate immunity.
Main Methods:
- Review of basic and clinical investigations.
- Analysis of pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) and SARS-CoV-2 components.
- Examination of immune signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 RNA and proteins are detected by innate immune receptors.
- These receptors initiate pro-inflammatory and antiviral responses.
- SARS-CoV-2 proteins actively evade, inhibit, and skew innate immune signaling.
Conclusions:
- Innate immune responses are critical in controlling SARS-CoV-2.
- SARS-CoV-2 employs sophisticated mechanisms to subvert host innate immunity.
- Understanding these interactions is key to managing COVID-19 severity.
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