ORF8 contributes to cytokine storm during SARS-CoV-2 infection by activating IL-17 pathway

• DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102293
• Publication Date: 2021-03-10T02:49:53Z
• Authors: Xiaoyuan Lin; Beibei Fu; Songna Yin; Zhifeng Li; Huawen Liu; Haiwei Zhang; Na Xing; Yu Wang; Weiwei Xue; Yan Xiong; Shanfu Zhang; Qingting Zhao; Shiyao Xu; Jing Zhang; Peihui Wang; Weiqi Nian; Xingsheng Wang; Haibo Wu
• Keywords: Cytokine Storm; 2019-20 coronavirus outbreak; Coronavirus Infections

Recently, COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has brought great challenges to world. More and more studies have shown that patients with severe may suffer from cytokine storm syndrome; however, there are few on its pathogenesis. Here we demonstrated coding protein open reading frame 8 (ORF8) acted as a contributing factor during infection. ORF8 could activate IL-17 signaling pathway promote expression of pro-inflammatory factors. Moreover, treatment IL17RA antibody protected mice ORF8-induced inflammation. Our findings helpful understand pathogenesis provide potential target for development therapeutic drugs.