SARS-CoV-2 rORF3, a novel microprotein, impairs interferon-β production by targeting RanBP2 to inhibit p65 nuclear import

Key Points

• Impaired interferon-beta production occurs due to the rORF3 microprotein from SARS-CoV-2.
• Interferon-beta levels decreased significantly, indicating a viral mechanism to evade immune responses.
• Analysis revealed rORF3 disrupts p65 nuclear import by targeting RanBP2 specifically.
• This work highlights the interplay between viral proteins and host immune mechanisms, with potential implications for therapeutic strategies.