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The Role of NEU1 in Coronavirus Infection and Pathogenesis

Y Wu1, G Y Chen1

  • 1Children's Foundation Research Institute at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, USA.

Virology & Immunology Journal
|August 11, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The nucleocapsid (N) protein is crucial for SARS-CoV-2 replication and assembly. This review explores the role of NEU1, an enzyme involved in sialylation, in coronavirus pathogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Biochemistry
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, necessitating new therapeutics due to vaccine limitations against variants.
  • The viral nucleocapsid (N) protein is essential for viral replication, assembly, and is a key immunogen.
  • Sialylation, the addition of sialic acids, and desialylation by sialidases (neuraminidases) are critical biological processes affecting glycoprotein and glycolipid functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of NEU1's role in coronavirus infection.
  • To synthesize existing research on NEU1's involvement in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.
  • To identify future research directions regarding NEU1 and coronaviruses.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on NEU1, sialylation, and coronavirus biology.
  • Analysis of the functional implications of NEU1 in viral replication and host-pathogen interactions.
  • Synthesis of findings to connect NEU1 activity with coronavirus pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • The nucleocapsid (N) protein is a major immunogen and key player in viral replication and assembly.
  • Sialidases, like NEU1, modulate the function of sialic acid-containing molecules through desialylation.
  • NEU1's specific role in coronavirus infection and pathogenesis requires further investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding NEU1's function in the context of coronavirus infection is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which NEU1 influences SARS-CoV-2 replication and pathogenesis.
  • Targeting NEU1 could represent a potential therapeutic avenue against COVID-19 and future coronavirus outbreaks.
Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2SialidasesSialylation

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