SARS-CoV-2 spike protein removes lipids from model membranes and interferes with the capacity of high density lipoprotein to exchange lipids

Yubexi Correa, Sarah Waldie, Michel Thepaut, Samantha Micciulla, Martine Moulin, Franck Fieschi, Harald Pichler, V. Trevor Forsyth, Michael Haertlein, Marité Cárdenas*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Cholesterol has been shown to affect the extent of coronavirus binding and fusion to cellular membranes. The severity of Covid-19 infection is also known to be correlated with lipid disorders. Furthermore, the levels of both serum cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) decrease with Covid-19 severity, with normal levels resuming once the infection has passed. Here we demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein interferes with the function of lipoproteins, and that this is dependent on cholesterol. In particular, the ability of HDL to exchange lipids from model cellular membranes is altered when co-incubated with the spike protein. Additionally, the S protein removes lipids and cholesterol from model membranes. We propose that the S protein affects HDL function by removing lipids from it and remodelling its composition/structure.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)732-739
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science
Volume602
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 Jun 2021

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)

Fields of Expertise

  • Human- & Biotechnology

Treatment code (Nähere Zuordnung)

  • Basic - Fundamental (Grundlagenforschung)

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