IFITM proteins promote SARS-CoV-2 infection and are targets for virus inhibition in vitro

Abstract Interferon-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs 1, 2 and 3) can restrict viral pathogens, but pro- anti-viral activities have been reported for coronaviruses. Here, we show that artificial overexpression of IFITMs blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, endogenous IFITM expression supports efficient infection in human lung cells. Our results indicate the Spike protein interacts with hijacks them were expressed further induced by interferons lung, gut, heart brain IFITM-derived peptides targeting antibodies inhibit entry replication cells, cardiomyocytes gut organoids. are cofactors cell types representing vivo targets transmission, dissemination pathogenesis potential therapeutic approaches.