Figure 2.

Immune response against the nucleocapsid protein. After SARS-CoV-2 infection, the nucleocapsid protein present in the body can activate or inactivate the immune system. Production of IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies against N has been reported; also, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity has been reported too. Activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells induces the production of different cytokines and contributes to inflammation. On the other hand, N can inhibit iRNA (interference RNA) and molecules such as RIG-I, STAT1/2, and IFN-I. Finally, N can bind to some chemokines and inhibit the recruitment of some immune cells.