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Cellular Sensors and Viral Countermeasures: A Molecular Arms Race between Host and SARS-CoV-2
Haoran Sun1, Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan1,2,3, Shuofeng Yuan1,2,3
1Department of Infectious Disease and Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518009, China.
Abstract:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that has caused disastrous effects on the society and human health globally. SARS-CoV-2 is a sarbecovirus in the Coronaviridae family with a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome. It mainly replicates in the cytoplasm and viral components including RNAs and proteins can be sensed by pattern recognition receptors including toll-like receptors (TLRs), RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), and NOD-like receptors (NLRs) that regulate the host innate and adaptive immune responses. On the other hand, the SARS-CoV-2 genome encodes multiple proteins that can antagonize the host immune response to facilitate viral replication. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on host sensors and viral countermeasures against host innate immune response to provide insights on virus-host interactions and novel approaches to modulate host inflammation and antiviral responses.
Insights
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disrupts host immunity using viral proteins. This review explores SARS-CoV-2 interactions with host sensors and immune evasion strategies for therapeutic insights.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes the COVID-19 pandemic, impacting global health.
- SARS-CoV-2, a sarbecovirus, possesses a positive-sense single-stranded RNA genome and replicates in the cytoplasm.
- Viral components are recognized by host pattern recognition receptors, initiating immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review host sensors involved in recognizing SARS-CoV-2.
- To discuss viral countermeasures against host innate immunity.
- To provide insights into virus-host interactions and potential therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current knowledge on SARS-CoV-2 and host immune responses.
- Analysis of pattern recognition receptors (TLRs, RLRs, NLRs) and their roles.
- Examination of viral proteins that antagonize host immunity.
Main Results:
- Host pattern recognition receptors detect viral RNAs and proteins, modulating immune responses.
- SARS-CoV-2 encodes proteins that actively antagonize host innate immunity.
- Understanding these interactions is crucial for controlling viral replication and inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Host sensors and viral evasion mechanisms are key to SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.
- Targeting virus-host interactions may offer novel therapeutic approaches.
- Modulating host inflammation and antiviral responses is essential for managing COVID-19.
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