The R203M and D377Y mutations of the nucleocapsid protein promote SARS-CoV-2 infectivity by impairing RIG-I-mediated antiviral signaling.

ABSTRACT: The viral protein mutations can modify virus-host interactions during virus evolution, and thus alter the extent of infection or pathogenicity. Studies indicate that nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 participates in viral genome assembly, intracellular signal regulation and immune interference. However, its biological function in viral evolution is not well understood. SARS-CoV-2 N protein mutations were analyzed in Delta, Omicron, and original strains. Two mutations with a methionine (M) residue at site 203 and a tyrosine (Y) residue at site 377 of the N protein were found in Delta strain but not in Omicron and original strains, and promoted SARS-CoV-2 infection therein. Those mutations, R203M and D377Y, enhanced the inhibitory impact of N protein on the impairment of RIG-I-mediated

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11771877 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature