Advances in Understanding the Envelope Protein in Coronavirus Infection

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impart devastating effects on human health, healthcare systems, and the economy. Vaccination, monoclonal antibodies, and antiviral therapies prevent and limit early infection. Unfortunately, few strategies exist to mitigate the disease burden in the vast number of individuals who seek medical attention with established infection and severe disease. While we have a limited understanding of the mechanistic basis by which SARS-CoV-2 causes critical illness, increasing evidence suggests that host-pathogen interactions shape immune responses that drive the pathogenesis of COVID-19. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the roles of the viral proteins and how they shape the course of infection. One interesting protein is the envelope (E) protein of SARS-CoV-2; this tiny structural protein has been implicated in many phases of the viral life cycle. Importantly, the E protein facilitates viral packaging and replication, and its deletion reduces viral pathogenicity. The E protein also possesses ion channel functions, interacts with host proteins, and has the potential to have various structural topologies. This review aims to establish an updated understanding by highlighting recent developments in the investigation of the SARS-CoV-2 E protein, particularly in comparison to the envelope protein of SARS-CoV. thorough knowledge of this protein will enable targeted studies in hopes of tailored efficacious treatments.