Research progress in the interaction between interferon- stimulated genes and SARS-CoV-2

Abstract:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has led to a global COVID-19 pandemic threatening human health and safety. However, it is urgent to find effective therapeutic agents and targets in response to the emergence of novel variants. Interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), a class of genes upregulated by interferons (IFNs), play a crucial role in host resistance against viral infection. Studies have demonstrated that ISGs are able to target different stages of viral replication cycle to exert the effect against viral infection, whereas SARS-CoV-2 has evolved strategies to interfere with or evade host innate immune response. Comprehensively understanding the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and ISGs is critical for the design of antiviral therapeutics. This review aims to briefly introduce the mechanisms of different ISGs against SARS-CoV-2, which provides ideas and theoretical basis for the development of novel antiviral agents.