Work

Chemokines simultaneously bind SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein RNA-binding and dimerization domains

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Viruses express chemokine (CHK)-binding proteins to interfere with the host CHK network and thereby modulate leukocyte migration. SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid (N) protein binds a subset of human CHKs with high affinity, inhibiting their chemoattractant properties. Here, we report that both N's RNA-binding and dimerization domains participate individually in CHK binding. CHKs typically possess independent sites for binding glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and their receptor proteins. We show that the interaction with the N protein occurs through the CHK GAG-binding site, pointing the way to developing compounds that block this interaction for potential anti-coronavirus therapeutics.

Source: Virology Journal

DOI: 10.1186/s12985-025-02658-1

Authors: Alberto Domingo López-Muñoz, Jonathan W. Yewdell

Institutions: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Language: English

Topic: SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,290