Quote
We postulate that SARS-CoV-2 employs an unreported tactic of exploiting the host splicing machinery to bolster viral replication and subvert the immune response by selectively upregulating unproductive splicing isoforms from antigen presentation and antiviral response genes.
Unlike other coronaviruses and viruses known to interfere with host splicing machinery, … SARS-CoV-2 uniquely blocks interferon (IFN) expression and modulates specific immune cell populations
Interpretation Notes
- Note the lack of any indication that this immune dysfunction is temporary.
- Similarly, note the absence of any suggestion that it’s only against covid that “the body’s antiviral defenses” are hindered.