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Contrasting roles of MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 internal proteins in pathogenesis in mice
Lok-Yin Roy Wong1,2, Abby Odle1,2, Emma Luhmann1,2
1Department of Microbiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA.
Importance:
The function of betacoronavirus internal protein has been relatively understudied. The earliest report on the internal protein of mouse hepatitis virus suggested that the internal protein is a structural protein without significant functions in virus replication and virulence. However, the internal proteins of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle-East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and SARS-CoV-2 have been shown to evade immune responses. Despite the reported functions of the internal protein in these highly pathogenic human coronaviruses, its role in mediating pathogenesis in experimentally infected animals has not been characterized. Our data indicated that despite the similar genomic location and expression strategy of these internal proteins, their effects on virulence are vastly different and virus specific, highlighting the complexity between host-virus interaction and disease outcome.
Insights
Betacoronavirus internal proteins have varied roles in virulence. While some coronaviruses evade immune responses, their impact on pathogenesis differs significantly between viruses, showing complex host-virus interactions.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- The function of betacoronavirus internal proteins remains understudied.
- Early research suggested mouse hepatitis virus internal protein lacks significant roles in replication or virulence.
- Internal proteins of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 are implicated in immune evasion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the role of betacoronavirus internal proteins in mediating pathogenesis in experimentally infected animals.
- To investigate the differential effects of internal proteins on virulence across various betacoronaviruses.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of internal protein functions across different betacoronaviruses.
- Experimental infection models to assess pathogenesis and virulence.
Main Results:
- Internal proteins of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle-East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2 exhibit immune evasion properties.
- Despite similar genomic locations and expression strategies, betacoronavirus internal proteins display vastly different and virus-specific effects on virulence.
- The role of internal proteins in pathogenesis is complex and virus-dependent.
Conclusions:
- Betacoronavirus internal protein functions are diverse and virus-specific.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for comprehending host-virus interactions and disease outcomes.
- Further research into internal protein functions can inform therapeutic strategies against betacoronavirus infections.
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