The swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus spike protein promotes syncytial formation via upregulation of cellular cholesterol synthesis

Cholesterol, a vital component of cellular membranes, is crucial for maintaining cell structure and function. It also acts as an essential host factor for the entry, replication, and propagation of various viruses. In this study, we show that the Spike protein of swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) promotes syncytial formation by upregulating cellular cholesterol synthesis. The viral Spike protein activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, leading to increased cholesterol production through the inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This upregulation of cholesterol facilitates cell-to-cell fusion, a process that enhances viral spread and pathogenesis. Moreover, we demonstrate that integrin β1 (ITGB1) acts as a critical host factor that links the viral Spike protein to the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. ITGB1 interacts with the S protein, playing a pivotal role in viral replication and cholesterol synthesis regulation. Our findings highlight the critical role of cholesterol in SADS-CoV infection and provide a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms behind viral replication. This research opens up potential therapeutic strategies targeting cholesterol metabolism to mitigate the effects of SADS-CoV and similar viral infections.