ABSTRACT
Studies in mild-to-moderate cases as well as severe disease leave us still searching for a magic pill
ABSTRACT
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), continues to be a pressing health concern. In this study, we investigated the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on host microRNA (miRNA) populations in three human lung-derived cell lines, as well as in nasopharyngeal swabs from SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals. We did not detect any major and consistent differences in host miRNA levels after SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, we unexpectedly discovered a viral miRNA-like small RNA, named CoV2-miR-O7a (for SARS-CoV-2 miRNA-like ORF7a-derived small RNA). Its abundance ranges from low to moderate as compared to host miRNAs and it associates with Argonaute proteins-core components of the RNA interference pathway. We identify putative targets for CoV2-miR-O7a, including Basic Leucine Zipper ATF-Like Transcription Factor 2 (BATF2), which participates in interferon signaling. We demonstrate that CoV2-miR-O7a production relies on cellular machinery, yet is independent of Drosha protein, and is enhanced by the presence of a strong and evolutionarily conserved hairpin formed within the ORF7a sequence.
Subject(s)
Gene Expression Regulation, Viral , RNA, Small Untranslated/metabolism , RNA, Viral/metabolism , SARS-CoV-2/metabolism , Viral Proteins/genetics , COVID-19/metabolism , COVID-19/virology , Host-Pathogen Interactions , Humans , RNA, Small Untranslated/genetics , RNA, Viral/genetics , SARS-CoV-2/geneticsABSTRACT
Aiming to prevent the spread of contagious diseases has long been a central tenet of public health. In the present time, divisive political responses to mask wearing to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission have competed with sound public health advice for public attention. Here, we draw parallels in terms of individualism versus societal solidarity between the slow and ponderous development of transmission-blocking vaccines for malaria and advocacy for mask wearing to prevent COVID-19.
Subject(s)
Altruism , COVID-19/prevention & control , Infection Control/methods , SARS-CoV-2 , Social Cohesion , COVID-19/transmission , Humans , Masks , Public HealthABSTRACT
Studies in mild-to-moderate cases as well as severe disease leave us still searching for a magic pill Some have trumpeted the 4-aminoquinoline antimalarial drugs, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquinine, for the treatment of covid-19, based on the (literally) incredible results of efficacy in reported uncontrolled trials.12 Two linked studies,34 however, add to an increasing body of evidence that these drugs lack virological or clinical efficacy in the treatment of covid-19,5 and might even be harmful.67 Because 4-aminoquinolines block endosomal acidification, this drug class has long been looked at for potential antiviral effect.8 Didier Raoult and colleagues in Marseilles used uncontrolled observations to claim that hydroxychloroquine (whether or not combined with the antibacterial azithromycin) is effective in treating covid-19.12 Further, Raoult has asserted that using placebo controls is unethical in times of plague and pestilence.29 …