"A study published in June in the scientific journal PLOS Biology uncovered 32 proteins essential for the earliest stage of infection of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, as well as cellular pathways that are exploited and the 27 proteins the virus uses later. When researchers pitted those same human proteins against three viruses SARS-CoV-1, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and a seasonal coronavirus they found that 17 of the proteins were used across the board."
"Rather than focusing on the antiviral medications that target the virus itself, the study's approach focuses on how the virus interacts with the host. According to Scripps Research, the team used genome-wide small interfering RNA, or siRNA, screening to find out which proteins SARS-CoV-2 relies on. Researchers were able to individually inhibit human genes in cells and thus discover which of the 20,000 genes in the human body the virus needs in order to replicate."
Researchers at Scripps Research used genome-wide small interfering RNA (siRNA) screening to identify human proteins required by SARS-CoV-2. The screen revealed 32 human proteins essential for the earliest stage of SARS-CoV-2 infection and 27 proteins employed later in replication, along with cellular pathways exploited by the virus. Cross-virus comparisons with SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV and a seasonal coronavirus identified 17 conserved host proteins, and two proteins emerged as especially promising therapeutic targets. Early mouse experiments demonstrated proof of concept for a drug class targeting host factors. The Calibr-Skaggs Institute is initiating development of host-targeted therapies to anticipate future viral mutations.
Read at www.sandiegouniontribune.com
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