Overview

• A genome-wide siRNA screen in susceptible human cells cataloged 32 proteins needed early in infection and 27 used in later stages of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle.
• Perlecan emerged as a potential co-receptor, with experiments showing the viral spike protein binds its sugar chains to facilitate cell entry.
• Targeting BIRC2 with Smac mimetic compounds cut viral levels in a SARS-CoV-2 mouse model and suppressed infection in cell cultures.
• Cross-testing against SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV and a seasonal coronavirus found 17 of 47 host factors were shared, supporting broad-spectrum antiviral prospects.
• Researchers plan further safety and efficacy studies and will probe whether the same host dependencies apply to other respiratory pathogens such as influenza and RSV.