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The emergence of novel betacoronaviruses has posed significant financial and human health burdens, necessitating the development of appropriate tools to combat future outbreaks. In this study, we have characterized a human cell line, IGROV-1, as a robust tool to detect, propagate, and titrate betacoronaviruses SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43. IGROV-1 cells can be used for serological assays, antiviral drug testing, and isolating SARS-CoV-2 variants from patient samples. Using time-course transcriptomics, we confirmed that IGROV-1 cells exhibit a robust innate immune response upon SARS-CoV-2 infection, recapitulating the response previously observed in primary human nasal epithelial cells. We performed genome-wide CRISPR knockout genetic screens in IGROV-1 cells and identified Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) as a critical host dependency factor for both SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43. Using DiMNF, a small molecule inhibitor of AHR, we observed that the drug selectively inhibits HCoV-OC43 infection but not SARS-CoV-2. Transcriptomic analysis in primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells revealed that DiMNF blocks HCoV-OC43 infection via basal activation of innate immune responses. Our findings highlight the potential of IGROV-1 cells as a valuable diagnostic and research tool to combat betacoronavirus diseases.

Introduction : The 6 F Tack Endovascular System® is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for post-percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) dissection repair in the superficial femoral and proximal popliteal arteries, and the 4 F System for post-PTA dissection repair in the mid/distal popliteal, peroneal and tibial arteries. The latter is the first FDA approval for an infra-popliteal implantable device. Areas covered : An evaluation of the Tack Endovascular System® design and a summary of the current safety and efficacy data. Expert opinion : Endovascular intervention for the treatment of symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the lower extremities is complicated by long-lesion length, extensive calcification and, below the knee, narrow vessel diameter. PTA is a foundational element for the treatment of these lesions and works by causing a controlled dissection and vessel expansion of the target lesion. Occasionally, dissections can extend beyond the target lesion and/or become hemodynamically significant due to lumen impingement necessitating additional intervention. Historically these dissections were treated with the use of stents, prolonged balloon inflation time or went untreated. The Tack Endovascular System® was designed to provide operators a safe and effective device which could repair post-PTA dissections while preserving future treatment options.