Biological Rhythms in Coronavirus Pneumonia Pathogenesis

Midday infection in mice resulted in highest mortality, peak viral load, and lung inflammation from coronavirus pneumonia.

• The time of day affects the severity of coronavirus pneumonia in mice infected with mouse hepatitis virus-1 (MHV-1).
• Midday infections correspond to the mid-rest phase in mice and are similar to nighttime in humans.
• Males exhibited a more pronounced response to the timing of infection, with greater disease severity observed.
• Increased binding and replication of MHV-1 in alveolar macrophages occurred during midday infections.
• Depleting alveolar macrophages or altering their state before infection eliminated timing-related differences in pneumonia severity.

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