Editor: Bolysbek Dana
Author: Tulkibaeva Nursulu
One year has passed since the World Health Organization announced the pandemic of the COVID-19 coronavirus. To this day, the features of the virus are studied, new medications are registered, and quarantine measures are maintained, while the incidence of the disease is still growing.
One possible treatment option was suggested by scientists from the University of Southern Denmark. By studying the molecular structure of the virus and studying the path of infection, scientists have discovered proteins that may become the basis for new drugs against COVID-19.
For the virus to penetrate the host cell, it has to bind to a special receptor, ACE2. The receptors themselves are located on the surface of cells in various tissues, including lungs, which cause severe symptoms when infecting this organ.
Scientists believe that the fusion protein, which will be similar to the ACE2 receptor, could serve as "bait" for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, thereby disrupting infection of the host cell.
"Getting a new drug to the market is a long journey. The next step is to continue studying our synthetic peptide—for example by making variations of it to see if we can improve its potency," said study leader Jasmin Mechinovich.
