[ad_1]
Unlike other coronaviruses, which cause colds and mild respiratory symptoms, SARS-CoV-2, associated with COVID-19 disease, is both highly contagious and highly infectious. Until a few studies have suggested the reasons why this new coronavirus infects not only the respiratory system but also easily other organs such as the heart and brain.
To infect humans, SARS-CoV-2 must first attach itself to the surface of human cells that line the respiratory or intestinal tract. Once attacked, the virus invades the cell and then replicates in multiple copies of itself. These “replicas” are then released, thus promoting the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. The process of binding and penetrating human host cells is carried out by a now well documented viral protein called the “Spike” protein or pint protein.
Understand the process by which the “Spike” protein recognizes human cells
This step is really essential and necessary for the development of antiviral therapies and vaccines for the treatment of COVID-19. In this groundbreaking study, Bristol researchers, including biochemist Professor Peter Cullen, virologist Dr Yohei Yamauchi and researcher Boris Simonetti, use different approaches to find that SARS-CoV-2 recognizes a protein called neuropilin-1 on the surface of human cells which facilitates viral infection.
Neuropilin -1, the hitherto secret weapon of the virus: By examining the sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, scientists discover the presence of a small amino acid sequence that appears to mimic a protein sequence found in human proteins that interact with neuropilin -1. They then make a simple hypothesis: SARS-CoV-2’s Spike protein could bind to neuropilin-1, like the ACE-2 receptor to promote viral infection of human cells. Through a whole host of structural and biochemical approaches, researchers show that SARS-CoV-2’s Spike protein actually binds to neuropilin-1.
Spike protein binds to neuropilin-1: and this interaction – in vitro on human cell lines – promotes invasion by SARS-CoV-2. However, by using monoclonal antibodies (synthetic antibodies that look like natural antibodies) or a selective drug that blocks the interaction, researchers are able to reduce SARS-CoV-2’s ability to infect human cells.
The study thus reveals the key role of the neuropilin-1 protein which, when bound to Spike, also helps the virus infect host cells and the interaction between neuropilin-1 and Spike. The discovery of the link of SARS-CoV-2 Spike to neuropilin-1 and its importance for viral infectivity opens up a promising avenue for novel antiviral therapies.
Source link
