Open AccessSARS-CoV-2 spreads through cell-to-cell transmission
Author(s) -
Cong Zeng,
John P. Evans,
Tiffany King,
Yi-Min Zheng,
Eugene M. Oltz,
Sean P. J. Whelan,
Linda J. Saif,
Mark E. Peeples
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2111400119
Subject(s) - cell , virology , infectivity , cell fusion , biology , lipid bilayer fusion , transmission (telecommunications) , neutralizing antibody , viral entry , b cell , cell membrane , antibody , immunology , microbiology and biotechnology , virus , viral replication , biochemistry , electrical engineering , engineering
Significance It is currently unknown if SARS-CoV-2 can spread through cell–cell contacts, and if so, the underlying mechanisms and implications. In this work, we show, by using lentiviral pseudotyped virus, that the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 mediates the viral cell-to-cell transmission, with an efficiency higher than that of SARS-CoV. We also find that cell–cell fusion contributes to cell-to-cell transmission, yet ACE2 is not absolutely required. While the authentic variants of concern (VOCs) B.1.1.7 (alpha) and B.1.351 (beta) differ in cell-free infectivity from wild type and from each other, these VOCs have similar cell-to-cell transmission capability and exhibit differential sensitivity to neutralization by vaccinee sera. Results from our study will contribute to a better understanding of SARS-CoV-2 spread and pathogenesis.