Accessory protein 3a, ORF3a protein, Protein 3a, Protein U274, Protein X16, sars-cov-2
SARS-CoV-2 infection induces a storm of cytokines in laer stages of progression. The viral protein ORF3a activates the NLRP3 inflammasome via promotion of TNF receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3)-mediated ubiquitination of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC). ORF3a protein activates pro-IL-1beta gene transcription and protein maturation, two signal essential to activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome.