SARS m6a (IMAGE) University of California - San Diego Caption Human enzyme METTL3 adds methyl groups to introduce m6A in SARS-CoV-2's RNA. That modification prevents the virus' RNA from triggering inflammatory molecules known as cytokines. METTL3 also leads to increased expression of pro-viral genes -- those that encode proteins needed for SARS-CoV-2 replication and survival. Credit UC San Diego Health Sciences Usage Restrictions Use photo credit License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.