Impaired activation of transposable elements in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

ABSTRACT: Emerging evidence shows that transposable elements (TEs) are induced in response to viral infections. This TE induction is suggested to trigger a robust and durable interferon response, providing a host defense mechanism. Here, we analyze TE expression changes in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in different human cellular models. Unlike other viruses, SARS-CoV-2 infection does not lead to global upregulation of TEs in primary cells. We report a correlation between TEs activation and induction of interferon-related genes, suggesting that failure to activate TEs may account for the weak interferon response. Moreover, we identify two variables that explain most of the observed diverseness in immune responses: basal expression levels of TEs in the pre-infected cells and the viral load. Finall

SUBMITTER: Sorek M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9442302 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature