The S1/S2 junction of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein is emerging as a key factor in virulence and pathogenesis. Here, the authors characterise an attenuated strain of SARS-CoV-2 with deletions in the critical S1/S2 junction and observe enhanced replication, generation of potent adaptive immunity but reduced immunopathology in a hamster model of infection.
- Pui Wang
- Siu-Ying Lau
- Honglin Chen
