Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) limits lethality of SARS-CoV-2 in mice

ABSTRACT: Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) is an antiviral protein that alters cell membranes to block fusion of viruses. Conflicting reports identified opposing effects of IFITM3 on SARS-CoV-2 infection of cells, and its impact on viral pathogenesis in vivo remains unclear. Here, we show that IFITM3 knockout (KO) mice infected with SARS-CoV-2 experience extreme weight loss and lethality compared to wild-type (WT) mice. KO mice have higher lung viral titers and increases in inflammatory cytokine levels, immune cell infiltration, and histopathology. Mechanistically, we observe disseminated viral antigen staining throughout the lung and pulmonary vasculature in KO mice, as well as increased heart infection, indicating that IFITM3 constrains dissemination of SARS-CoV-2. Global transc

SUBMITTER: Adam, D Kenney 

PROVIDER: S-SCDT-10_15252-EMBR_202256660 | biostudies-other |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other