SARS-CoV-2 protein ORF8 limits expression levels of Spike antigen and facilitates immune evasion of infected host cells.

ABSTRACT: Recovery from COVID-19 depends on the ability of the host to effectively neutralize virions and infected cells, a process largely driven by antibody-mediated immunity. However, with the newly emerging variants that evade Spike-targeting antibodies, re-infections and breakthrough infections are increasingly common. A full characterization of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mechanisms counteracting antibody-mediated immunity is therefore needed. Here, we report that ORF8 is a virally encoded SARS-CoV-2 factor that controls cellular Spike antigen levels. We show that ORF8 limits the availability of mature Spike by inhibiting host protein synthesis and retaining Spike at the endoplasmic reticulum, reducing cell-surface Spike levels and recognition by anti-SARS-CoV-

SUBMITTER: Kim IJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10289268 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature