Targeting the entry step of SARS-CoV-2: a promising therapeutic approach
Jing Li, Peng Zhan, Xinyong Liu
Abstract
A very recent study published in Cell by Hoffmann and coworkers identifies the key proteins exploited by SARS-CoV-2 to invade cells, and finds some effective therapeutic strategies that can block cell invasion. These findings should facilitate work on novel therapeutic strategies to overcome SARS-CoV-2 infection (Fig. 1 ). 1 Fig. 1 Entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells depends on ACE2 and TMPRSS2, and effective treatment strategies can prevent this process. For example, a Antibodies raised against SARS-S could cross-neutralize SARS-2-S. b Camostat mesylate inhibits TMPRSS2 and interferes with this process. Full size image
Topics & Concepts
ProteasesViral entryVirologyBiologySevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)ProteaseCoronavirusLipid bilayer fusionVirusViral replicationComputational biologyCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)EnzymeMedicineBiochemistryInfectious disease (medical specialty)PathologyDiseaseSARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 ResearchCOVID-19 Clinical Research StudiesSARS-CoV-2 detection and testing