The coronavirus of a new type SARS-CoV-2 was able to enter human cells not only through the ACE2 receptor, but also through another protein outgrowth of the CD147 molecule. This is stated in a study by scientists from the Fourth Military Medical University in Xi’an (China) and their colleagues from the Institute of Biotechnology in Beijing. The results are published in the electronic scientific library bioRxiv.
Experts recalled that it is well known that the virus enters the body through the ACE2 receptor. However, it is often found in the cells of the heart, kidneys and genitals, so fighting the virus through it can have a negative effect on these organs.
“We have isolated another receptor, whose molecules attack the virus, which expands the possible arsenal of means for suppressing infection,” the scientists emphasized.
The obtained research results once again confirmed the version that already created drugs that protect humans from malaria and SARS will help in the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic.
An outbreak of COVID-19 disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus occurred in Wuhan, China at the end of December 2019, then the virus began to spread in other countries. On March 11, 2020, WHO characterized the spread of coronavirus in the world as a pandemic.
To date, three vaccines against coronavirus have been registered in Russia. The first vaccine in Russia and the world was Sputnik V, developed by the Gamaleya Center. The drug was registered in August 2020.