Unlocking the Secrets of How SARS-CoV-2 Uses Host Protease to Infect Cells
For the first time, scientists have identified a human protease that plays a significant role in the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, could lead to the development of novel therapeutics designed to target this host protease and limit the severity of the virus.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus is one of the most devastating pandemics of our time, causing millions of infections and hundreds of thousands of deaths. Until now, the exact mechanism of infection was not fully understood. In a new study, researchers from the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University have identified a host protease that plays a crucial role in the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
This host protease, known as NSP2, is a specialized enzyme that helps the virus enter and infect human cells. The researchers found that NSP2 is essential for the virus to spread and replicate in human cells. They also found that by targeting NSP2, they could limit the spread of the virus.
These findings are incredibly important as they could lead to the development of novel therapeutics designed to target this host protease and limit the severity of the virus.
source: Phys.org