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[Y2] Infectious Diseases > [W9] Coronaviruses > Flashcards

[W9] Coronaviruses Flashcards

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1
Q

What are the 4 common human coronaviruses?

A

229E, NL63 (α); OC43, HKU1 (β)

These coronaviruses are endemic and typically cause mild respiratory infections.

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2
Q

Name the three zoonotic human coronaviruses and their emergence years.

A

SARS-CoV (2002), MERS-CoV (2012), SARS-CoV-2 (2019)

These coronaviruses have been associated with more severe respiratory illnesses.

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3
Q

What is the shape and size of coronaviruses?

A

Spherical particles, 120 nm in diameter

This size is typical for many viruses, allowing for efficient transmission.

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4
Q

What type of genome do coronaviruses have?

A

Positive-sense single-stranded RNA (+ssRNA), helical nucleocapsid

This genome type is crucial for the virus’s replication and translation processes.

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5
Q

Which structural proteins are present in the coronavirus envelope?

A

Spike (S), envelope (E), and matrix (M) proteins

These proteins play key roles in viral entry and immune evasion.

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6
Q

What is the size of the coronavirus genome?

A

28–32 kb

This size allows for the encoding of multiple proteins necessary for the virus’s lifecycle.

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7
Q

Does the coronavirus genome have a 5’ cap and poly-A tail?

A

Yes, both

These features are important for mRNA stability and translation efficiency.

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8
Q

What sequences are required to make subgenomic mRNAs?

A

Transcriptional regulatory sequences (TRS)

TRS are crucial for the viral replication cycle and mRNA synthesis.

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9
Q

How many ORFs are encoded in the coronavirus genome?

A

13 ORFs

These open reading frames code for structural and non-structural proteins essential for the virus.

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10
Q

List the major steps in the coronavirus replication cycle.

A

Attachment → Entry → Membrane fusion → Uncoating → Translation → Genome replication → Transcription → Translation of mRNAs → Assembly → Release

This cycle outlines the process from viral entry to the release of new virions.

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11
Q

What receptor is used by NL63, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2?

A

ACE2

ACE2 is crucial for the entry of these viruses into host cells.

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12
Q

What receptor does MERS-CoV use?

A

DPP4 and sialoglycosides

These receptors facilitate MERS-CoV entry into human cells.

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13
Q

What receptor is used by HCoV-229E?

A

Aminopeptidase N (APN)

This receptor allows for the viral entry of HCoV-229E.

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14
Q

What class of fusion protein is the spike (S) protein?

A

Class I fusion protein

Class I fusion proteins are involved in the fusion of viral and cellular membranes.

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15
Q

What does the S1 subunit of the spike protein contain?

A

Receptor-binding domain (RBD)

The RBD is critical for the virus’s ability to attach to host cell receptors.

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16
Q

What does the S2 subunit contain?

A

Fusion and transmembrane domains

These domains are important for facilitating membrane fusion during viral entry.

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17
Q

What protease cleaves SARS-CoV-2 spike for membrane fusion?

A

TMPRSS2 (host serine protease)

This protease is essential for activating the spike protein for viral entry.

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18
Q

What does the replication transcription complex (RTC) do?

A

Replicates genome and makes subgenomic mRNAs

The RTC is crucial for the lifecycle of coronaviruses, enabling efficient replication.

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19
Q

What enzyme is Nsp12?

A

RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp)

RdRp is essential for synthesizing RNA from the viral RNA template.

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20
Q

What is the role of Nsp13?

A

Helicase

Helicase unwinds RNA to facilitate replication and transcription.

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21
Q

What cofactor assists RdRp?

A

Nsp7

Nsp7 enhances the activity of RdRp during RNA synthesis.

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22
Q

Where is the RTC located in the cell?

A

Perinuclear intracellular membranes

This location is optimal for viral replication processes.

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23
Q

Why do coronaviruses have a lower mutation rate than most RNA viruses?

A

Due to proofreading activity in RTC

This proofreading ability helps maintain the integrity of the viral genome.

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24
Q

Where are S, M, and E proteins translated?

A

Rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER)

The RER is important for the proper folding and modification of these proteins.

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25
Where does virus assembly occur?
ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) ## Footnote This compartment facilitates the final steps of viral assembly and maturation.
26
Which protein is the most abundant coronavirus structural protein?
M protein ## Footnote The M protein plays a key role in determining the shape and structure of the virus.
27
How are progeny virions released from the cell?
Exocytosis via vesicles ## Footnote This process allows the virus to exit the host cell and infect new cells.
28
When and where did SARS first emerge?
2003, Asia ## Footnote SARS was the first of the zoonotic coronaviruses to gain significant attention.
29
What was the mortality rate of SARS?
9.5% ## Footnote This high mortality rate highlighted the severity of the disease caused by SARS-CoV.
30
How is SARS transmitted?
Respiratory droplets ## Footnote This transmission route is common for respiratory viruses.
31
What are the main phases of SARS symptoms?
Fever and malaise → respiratory symptoms → ARDS/pneumonia ## Footnote These phases represent the progression of the illness in infected individuals.
32
Is there a specific treatment for SARS?
No ## Footnote Supportive care was the primary approach to managing SARS cases.
33
Where and when was MERS first identified?
2012, Saudi Arabia ## Footnote MERS is another significant zoonotic coronavirus that emerged after SARS.
34
What is the major reservoir for MERS?
Camels ## Footnote Camels are known to transmit MERS-CoV to humans.
35
How is MERS primarily transmitted to humans?
Direct/indirect contact with infected animals; limited human-to-human ## Footnote Understanding the transmission routes is vital for prevention strategies.
36
List some symptoms of MERS.
Fever, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea ## Footnote These symptoms can vary in severity among infected individuals.
37
Is there a vaccine for MERS?
In development ## Footnote Research is ongoing to develop effective vaccines against MERS.
38
Where and when did SARS-CoV-2 emerge?
Wuhan, China, December 2019 ## Footnote The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 led to the COVID-19 pandemic.
39
What is the genome similarity between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV?
79% ## Footnote This similarity indicates a close evolutionary relationship between the two viruses.
40
What is the genome similarity with bat CoV RaTG13?
96% ## Footnote This high similarity suggests that bats are a likely reservoir for SARS-CoV-2.
41
What populations are at high risk for severe COVID-19?
Elderly and those with comorbidities ## Footnote These groups require special attention during the pandemic.
42
What causes severe COVID-19 symptoms?
Immune dysregulation and immunopathology ## Footnote The body’s response to the virus can lead to severe complications.
43
What immune cells cause lung damage in severe cases?
Macrophages, T cells, neutrophils ## Footnote These immune cells can contribute to inflammation and tissue damage.
44
What vascular complication is associated with severe COVID-19?
Coagulation abnormalities ## Footnote These complications can lead to increased risk of thrombosis.
45
Which protein's receptor expression is linked to viral entry?
ACE2 ## Footnote ACE2 is critical for the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells.
46
Why is ACE2 not the sole determinant of severity?
NL63 also uses ACE2 but doesn’t cause severe disease ## Footnote This indicates that other factors contribute to disease severity.
47
Name three non-pharmaceutical interventions to reduce transmission.
Masks, social distancing, self-isolation ## Footnote These strategies are crucial for controlling the spread of COVID-19.
48
What viral protein is targeted by COVID-19 vaccines?
Spike (S) protein ## Footnote The spike protein is essential for the virus's ability to infect host cells.
49
Name two nucleoside analogue antivirals for COVID-19.
Remdesivir and Molnupiravir ## Footnote These antivirals are used to inhibit viral replication.
50
What protease inhibitor targets SARS-CoV-2 3CPro?
Nirmatrelvir ## Footnote This inhibitor works by blocking a key enzyme necessary for viral replication.
51
What monoclonal antibody cocktail targets spike protein RBD?
REGN-COV2 (casirivimab and imdevimab) ## Footnote This cocktail provides targeted therapy against SARS-CoV-2.
52
Is convalescent plasma effective against COVID-19?
No, it fails to suppress the virus ## Footnote Research has indicated limited efficacy of convalescent plasma in treating COVID-19.
53
What corticosteroid reduces mortality in ventilated patients?
Dexamethasone ## Footnote Dexamethasone has been shown to improve survival rates in severe cases.
54
What anti-IL6 antibody helps in certain COVID-19 cases?
Tocilizumab ## Footnote This antibody can mitigate the inflammatory response in severe COVID-19.
55
What JAK inhibitor improves recovery time in COVID-19?
Baricitinib ## Footnote Baricitinib is used to reduce inflammation and improve recovery in COVID-19 patients.
56
What drug class is used to prevent blood clots in COVID-19?
Anticoagulants (e.g., heparin) ## Footnote These medications are essential for managing thrombotic complications associated with COVID-19.
57
What vitamin deficiency is linked to worse COVID-19 outcomes?
Vitamin D deficiency ## Footnote Adequate vitamin D levels may play a role in immune function and response to infections.
58
What does a lateral flow test detect?
Viral antigens ## Footnote This test provides quick results for identifying active infections.
59
How quickly does a lateral flow test give results?
Less than 15 minutes ## Footnote Rapid testing is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
60
Is lateral flow as sensitive as RT-PCR?
No, but it is useful for detecting infectious individuals ## Footnote RT-PCR is more sensitive but takes longer to process.

[Y2] Infectious Diseases (19 decks)

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