Description
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Virus particles include the RNA genetic material and structural proteins needed for invasion of host cells. Once inside the cell the infecting RNA is used to encode structural proteins that make up virus particles, nonstructural proteins that direct virus assembly, transcription, replication and host control and accessory proteins whose function has not been determined.~ ORF3a encodes a viral accessory protein. Based on its similarity to other coronavirus proteins, ORF3a protein is thought to be a protein with ion channel activity (viroporin) that activates the NLRP3 inflammasome. ORF3a may also play a role in virus replication and pathogenesis.