Researchers
have found the answer why COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 is different with SARS-CoV even
though they have similar main receptor which is or which they called “angiotensin-converting
enzyme 2” or “ACE2”, that is it has another or extra piece on its surface
protein. That extra piece is a receptor which they called “Neuropilin-1”.
“Neuropilin-1”
help the virus gain entry into one’s cells and tissues wreaking havoc.
“Researchers
from the Technical University of Munich in Germany and the University of
Helsinki in Finland led a study that discovered a receptor called neuropilin-1
gives the novel coronavirus a leg-up in infecting our tissues. This particular
protein is relatively abundant on cells lining the nasal cavity, making it a
piece of cake for the virus to establish a home inside our bodies, raise a
virus family, and then spread to a new host.”(Science Alert)
“"If
you think of ACE2 as a door lock to enter the cell, then neuropilin-1 could be
a factor that directs the virus to the door,"…. "ACE2 is expressed at
very low levels in most cells. Thus, it is not easy for the virus to find doors
to enter. Other factors such as neuropilin-1 might help the virus finding its
door." With neuropilin-1 expressed in large amounts in nerve tissues
within the nasal cavity, we might imagine SARS-CoV-2 has a convenient red
carpet rolled out for it the moment we sniff an infected droplet.” (Science
Alert)
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