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Viral E Protein Neutralizes BET Protein-Mediated Post-Entry Antagonism of SARS-CoV-2.

Authors :
Chen IP
Longbotham JE
McMahon S
Suryawanshi RK
Carlson-Stevermer J
Gupta M
Zhang MY
Soveg FW
Hayashi JM
Taha TY
Lam VL
Li Y
Yu Z
Titus EW
Diallo A
Oki J
Holden K
Krogan N
Galonić Fujimori D
Ott M
Source :
BioRxiv : the preprint server for biology [bioRxiv] 2021 Nov 15. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Nov 15.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Inhibitors of Bromodomain and Extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins are possible anti-SARS-CoV-2 prophylactics as they downregulate angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Here, we show that BET proteins should not be inactivated therapeutically as they are critical antiviral factors at the post-entry level. Knockouts of BRD3 or BRD4 in cells overexpressing ACE2 exacerbate SARS-CoV-2 infection; the same is observed when cells with endogenous ACE2 expression are treated with BET inhibitors during infection, and not before. Viral replication and mortality are also enhanced in BET inhibitor-treated mice overexpressing ACE2. BET inactivation suppresses interferon production induced by SARS-CoV-2, a process phenocopied by the envelope (E) protein previously identified as a possible "histone mimetic." E protein, in an acetylated form, directly binds the second bromodomain of BRD4. Our data support a model where SARS-CoV-2 E protein evolved to antagonize interferon responses via BET protein inhibition; this neutralization should not be further enhanced with BET inhibitor treatment.

Details

Language :
English
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
BioRxiv : the preprint server for biology
Accession number :
34816261
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.11.14.468537