Transfer of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein to uninfected epithelial cells induces antibody-mediated complement deposition
Using a cell-culture model, Fahoum et al. demonstrate SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (NP) spread from infected to neighboring non-susceptible cells. This elicits NP-driven, antibody-dependent activation of the classical complement pathway. They characterize NP regions binding to cell-surface proteoglycans. Enoxaparin outcompetes NP binding and the associated complement activation, rescuing COVID-19 immunopathology.
