Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) coordinates redox balance, carbon metabolism, and mitochondrial bioenergetics to suppress SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Viruses exploit host metabolism for replication and immune-regulation. Understanding how SARS-CoV-2 alters the host metabolism may lead to treatments for COVID-19. We report that a ubiquitous gaseous molecule, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), regulates redox, metabolism, and mitochondrial bioenergetics to control SARS-CoV-2. Virus replication is associated with down-regulation of the H2S-producing enzymes cystathionine-{beta}-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-{gamma}-lyase (CTH), and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST), resulting in diminished endogenous H2S levels. Inhibition of CTH resulted in SARS-CoV-2 proliferation. A slow-releasing H2S donor, GYY4137, diminished virus replication by inducing Nrf2/Keap1 pathway, restoring redox balance and mitochondrial bioenergetics. Treatment of SARS-CoV-2-infected animals with GYY4137 suppressed viral replication, ameliorated respiratory pathology, and restored antioxidant gene expression. Notably, whole-body plethysmography showed improved pulmonary function variables, including pulmonary obstruction and end-expiratory pause upon GYY4137 treatment in vivo. Data extend our understanding of H2S-mediated regulation of viral-infections, and open new avenues for investigating the pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities for coronavirus-associated disorders.