Structured PREreview of SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 modulates lung inflammation and clinical disease progression

Does the introduction explain the objective of the research presented in the preprint?

Yes

The introduction first provides context on the background of COVID-19 and the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The authors explain the general functions and characteristics of the ORF8 accessory protein. According to the authors, their previous work on accessory protein deletion viruses for SARS-CoV-2 revealed that an ORF8 deletion virus resulted in more lung inflammation compared to a clinical isolate. The authors explain that the objective of their research is to further investigate and characterize the impact of ORF8 in clinical disease progression.

Are the methods well-suited for this research?

Highly appropriate

The methods are very well suited for this research. The authors infect K18-hACE2 mice with WA-1AORF8, following biosafety approval.

Are the conclusions supported by the data?

Highly supported

The conclusions are strongly supported by the data. The researchers present data that reveals that mice infected with WA-1AORF8 demonstrated increased levels of lung inflammation compared to mice with wildtype virus.

Are the data presentations, including visualizations, well-suited to represent the data?

Highly appropriate and clear

The tables and graphs allow the data from the results to be visualized and support the conclusions made.

How clearly do the authors discuss, explain, and interpret their findings and potential next steps for the research?

Very clearly

Is the preprint likely to advance academic knowledge?

Highly likely

The preprint is very likely to generate further studies on the topic of ORF8 in SARS-CoV-2, which is still rather elusive. The findings in this paper also confirm and extend previous research done by the researchers.

Would it benefit from language editing?

No

Would you recommend this preprint to others?

Yes, it’s of high quality

Is it ready for attention from an editor, publisher or broader audience?

Yes, as it is

The paper presents useful findings on a topic that is not well-studied. The paper provides valuable data and information that would be beneficial to spread to a larger audience. It could also generate further discussions on this topic.

Competing interests

The author declares that they have no competing interests.