Actions of Restriction Factors on Coronaviruses

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

Abstract

Some restriction factors, including Serinc5, are known to interfere with retrovirus replication by blocking the entry of the virus particle into a new host cell. Methods exist for producing "pseudovirus" particles in the laboratory: these are retrovirus particles bearing the entry machinery of an unrelated virus (such as a coronavirus). These pseudovirus particles can infect cells using this nonretroviral machinery, thus entering cells via the route normally used by the unrelated virus. Therefore, measuring the effects of a restriction factor upon infection by a pseudovirus can tell us whether the unrelated virus will be sensitive to the restriction factor. We are also expressing restriction factors such as Serinc5 in a variety of cell lines and will provide these cells to collaborators, so that the collaborators can directly test the sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses to the restriction factors. This work with SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses requires BSL-3 facilities.