[ad_1]
Scientists had already identified the role of a protein in SARS-CoV-2: spike infection of human cells. In new research, published in the journal Science, a team of researchers explains that they have discovered another fundamental element in understanding Covid-19. They found that an amino acid sequence called neuropilin-1 makes it easier for the virus to infect us.
A protein already identified
The Spike protein is present on the surface of SARS-CoV-2. It allows it to enter human cells. But to achieve this, it has to associate with receptors on human cells. Studies on the virus have shown that the Spike protein relies in particular on the receptor called ACE2 to “angiotensin converting enzyme 2When the two combine, the virus can enter the cell and then reproduce.
Allow the virus to infect other cells
In this new research, the scientists found that Spike is able to recognize another element on the surface of cells and attach to it: neuropilin-1. This amino acid sequence will help the virus replicate in the body because it is present on a variety of human cells, not just those in the respiratory system. This could explain why the new coronavirus attacks several human organs. “The introduction of a small sequence into protein S caused the virus not only to become much more capable of infecting human cells via neuropilin 1, but also to recognize a broader spectrum of cells, which probably makes it more pathogen “, explains Étienne Decroly to Figaro.
A therapeutic avenue
This better understanding of the virus and how it infects us is key to developing a treatment. The researchers tested several drugs in an in vitro model. Monoclonal antibodies are effective: they allow to suppress the interaction between Spike and neuropilin-1. For them, this type of treatment could help decrease SARS-CoV-2’s ability to infect cells. Finding a vaccine and a cure are key issues in the fight against the new coronavirus. Covid-19 has already caused more than 1.3 million deaths worldwide, including over 42,500 in France.
Reflecting on two recent scientific studies which have revealed that NRP1 promotes #SARS-CoV-2 entrance to human cells, Margaret Kielian (@EinsteinMed) notes that questions remain, including: Does NRP1 similarly help promote the spread and spread of SARS-CoV-2? https://t.co/gsGUIXcVWj pic.twitter.com/24J4ebU1BB
– Science Magazine (@ScienceMagazine) November 13, 2020
[ad_2]
Source link
