SARS-CoV-2 infects cells after viral entry via clathrin-mediated endocytosis

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of COVID-19, so understanding its biology and infection mechanisms critical to facing this major medical challenge. SARS-CoV-2 known use spike glycoprotein interact with cell surface as a first step in process. As for other coronaviruses, it likely that next undergoes endocytosis, but whether or not required infectivity precise endocytic mechanism used are unknown. Using purified lentivirus pseudotyped glycoprotein, common model infectivity, we now demonstrate after engagement plasma membrane, rapid, clathrin-mediated endocytosis. This suggests transfer viral RNA cytosol occurs from lumen endosomal system. Importantly, further knockdown clathrin heavy chain, which blocks reduces infectivity. These discoveries reveal uses endocytosis gain access into cells process key aspect virus