SoylentNews

"Barry" writes:

Like its predecessor, SARS-CoV-2 enters human cells through ACE2 receptors. ACE2 is typically expressed only at low levels on most cells, meaning that a virus might have difficulty finding ACE2 receptors to bind to. A recent study from the University of Helsinki [helsinki.fi] found that SARS-CoV-2 contains a protein found not present in the 2003 SARS-CoV virus but that is found in HIV, Ebola, and highly infectious strains of avian influenza. This second protein binds to neuropilin-1 receptors and this may help the SARS-CoV-2 virus locate ACE2 receptors on the surface of cells. The importance of neuropilin-1 was tested by blocking this receptor, which reduced the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to infect cells. While there are potential side effects associated with blocking neuropilin-1, this result suggests that blocking the neuropilin-1 receptor could be useful for treating SARS-CoV-2 infections. A manuscript describing this work has been accepted for publication in Science [sciencemag.org].

Original Submission