Title:Free ISG15 and Protein ISGylation Emerging in SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Volume: 23
Issue: 7
Author(s): Angeles C. Tecalco Cruz*
Affiliation:
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México (UACM), CDMX, México
Keywords:
COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, SCoV-PLpro, ISG15, ISGylation, protease.
Abstract: Interferon-simulated gene 15 (ISG15) belongs to the family of ubiquitin-like proteins.
ISG15 acts as a cytokine and modifies proteins through ISGylation. This posttranslational modification
has been associated with antiviral and immune response pathways. In addition, it is known that
the genome of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) encodes proteases
critical for viral replication. Consequently, these proteases are also central in the progression of coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19). Interestingly, the protease SARS-CoV-2-PLpro removes ISG15
from ISGylated proteins such as IRF3 and MDA5, affecting immune and antiviral defense from the
host. Here, the implications of ISG15, ISGylation, and generation of SARS-CoV-2-PLpro inhibitors
in SARS-CoV-2 infection are discussed.