MDA5 Governs the Innate Immune Response to SARS-CoV-2 in Lung Epithelial Cells (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Recent studies profiling the innate immune signatures in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) suggest that cellular responses to viral challenge impact disease severity. Yet, the molecular events that underlie cellular recognition and response to SARS-CoV-2 infection remains to be elucidated. Here, we find that SARS-CoV-2 replication induces a delayed interferon (IFN) response in lung epithelial cells. Through a survey of putative sensors involved in detection of RNA virus infection, we found that MDA5 and LGP2 primarily regulate IFN induction in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, we find that IRF-3, -5, and NF-kB/p65 are the key transcription factors regulating the IFN response during SARS-CoV-2 infection. In summary, these findings provide critical insights into the molecular basis of the innate immune recognition and signaling response to SARS-CoV-2.Funding: This work was supported by the following grants to the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute DoD W81XWH-20-1-0270; DHIPC U19 AI118610; Fluomics/NOSI U19 AI135972, as well as generous philanthropic donations from Dinah Ruch and Susan & James Blair. This work was additionally supported by the following grants to Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine a CTSA supplement to NCATS UL1 TR002389; a CTSA supplement to NUCATS with the generous support of the Dixon family UL1 TR001422; and a Cancer Center supplement P30 CA060553. Development and implementation of iPS cell technology for production of airway epithelial cells was supported by Incubation Program from Office of Society Academia Collaboration for Innovation, Kyoto University. Conflict of Interest The authors declare no competing interests.