SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 accessory protein is a virulence factor

IMPORTANCE

The relevance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) ORF8 in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 is unclear. Virus natural isolates with deletions in ORF8 were associated with wild milder disease, suggesting that ORF8 might contribute to SARS-CoV-2 virulence. This manuscript shows that ORF8 is involved in inflammation and in the activation of macrophages in two experimental systems: humanized K18-hACE2 transgenic mice and organoid-derived human airway cells. These results identify ORF8 protein as a potential target for COVID-19 therapies.

Generation of Genetically Modified Mice Using CRISPR/Cas9

Using CRISPR-based genome-editing techniques, we are able to generate a variety of new mouse models of several types of diseases. These animal models will be instrumental not only for enabling the comprehension of a particular disease and its underlying molecular mechanism but also as unique recipients for testing novel and innovative therapeutic approaches that are being currently explored. This chapter describes detailed step-by-step protocols, reagents, and equipment required for successful generation of genome-edited mice using CRISPR tools.