Induction of the inflammasome by the SARS-CoV-2 accessory protein ORF9b, abrogated by small-molecule ORF9b homodimerization inhibitors
E. Zodda, M. Pons, N. DeMoya-Valenzuela, C. Calvo-Gonzalez, C. Benitez-Rodriguez, B. D. Lopez-Ayllon, A. Hibot, M. Cascante, M. Montoya, M. Pujol, J. Rubio-Martinez, T. M. Thomson
This study shows that SARS-CoV-2's ORF9b protein activates inflammasomes and caspase-1, and small molecules inhibiting its homodimerization reduce inflammation and restore interferon signaling.
bioRxiv · May 31, 2024Microbiology