Primate-specific BTN3A2 protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection by interacting with and reducing ACE2
Authors: Xu Ling , Yu Dandan , Xu Min , Liu Yamin , Yang Lu-Xiu , Zou Qing-Cui , Feng Xiao-Li , Li Ming-Hua , Sheng Nengyin , Yao Yong-Gang 
Published: January 2024

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an immune-related disorder caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The complete pathogenesis of the virus remains to be determined. Unraveling the molecular mechanisms governing SARS-CoV-2 interactions with host cells is crucial for the formulation of effective prophylactic measures and the advancement of COVID-19 therapeutics.

Methods

We analyzed human lung single-cell RNA sequencing dataset to discern the association of butyrophilin subfamily 3 member A2 (BTN3A2) expression with COVID-19. TheBTN3A2gene edited cell lines and transgenic mice were infected by live SARS-CoV-2 in a biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory. Immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry, biolayer interferometry and competition ELISA assays were performed inBTN3A2gene edited cells. We performed quantitative real-time PCR, histological and/or immunohistochemical analyses for tissue samples from mice with or without SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Findings

TheBTN3A2mRNA level was correlated with COVID-19 severity.BTN3A2expression was predominantly identified in epithelial cells, elevated in pathological epithelial cells from COVID-19 patients and co-occurred withACE2expression in the same lung cell subtypes. BTN3A2 targeted the early stage of the viral life cycle by inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 attachment through interactions with the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the Spike protein and ACE2. BTN3A2 inhibited ACE2-mediated SARS-CoV-2 infection by reducing ACE2in vitroandin vivo.

Interpretation

These results reveal a key role of BTN3A2 in the fight against COVID-19. Identifying potential monoclonal antibodies which mimic BTN3A2 may facilitate disruption of SARS-CoV-2 infection, providing a therapeutic avenue for COVID-19.

Funding

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32070569, U1902215, and 32371017), the CAS “Light of West China” Program, and Yunnan Province (202305AH340006).

Research in context

Evidence before this study

Our understanding of the pathogenesis of COVID-19, especially key molecular events in the early stage of viral infection, remains incompletely albeit we witnessed many progresses. This knowledge gap hinders the finding for effective and specific antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2. The entry of SARS-CoV-2 is mediated by the entry receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and is affected by host antiviral defenses. Targeting these universal host factors required for virus replication is the most promising approach for effective prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Added value of this study

Our study revealed thatBTN3A2,a primate-specific gene, acts as a potent inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 infectionin vitroandin vivo. The up-regulation of BTN3A2 upon SARS-CoV-2 infection competed with the ACE2 receptor for binding to the Spike protein, subsequently reducing ACE2 expression and ACE2-mediated SARS-CoV-2 entry.

Implications of all the available evidence

These data highlighted that BTN3A2 as a novel host factor with protective effects against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The BTN3A2 holds considerable potential as a therapeutic drug for mitigating the impact of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants of concern (VOCs).