SARS-CoV-2 Mac1 is required for IFN antagonism and efficient virus replication in mice

Abstract

All CoVs, including SARS-CoV-2, encode for a conserved macrodomain (Mac1) that counters host ADP-ribosylation. Prior studies with SARS-CoV-1 and MHV found that Mac1 blocks IFN production and promotes CoV pathogenesis, which has prompted the development of SARS-CoV-2 Mac1 inhibitors. However, development of these compounds into antivirals requires that we understand how SARS-CoV-2 lacking Mac1 replicates and causes disease <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> . Here we found that SARS-CoV-2 containing a complete Mac1 deletion replicates normally in cell culture but induces an elevated IFN response, has reduced viral loads <i>in vivo</i> , and does not cause significant disease in mice. These results will provide a roadmap for testing Mac1 inhibitors, help identify Mac1 functions, and open additional avenues for coronavirus therapies.