“A new crown peak found a loop structure that increases infectivity.”



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Four amino acid sequences not found in other coronaviruses are also observed.

Cornell University researchers, published in the journal Molecular Biology.

New coronavirus
New coronavirus

= A new coronavirus (yellow) is concentrated on the cell surface (blue / pink).
Samples from American confirmers were cultured and observed under an electron microscope.
[미 NIH 국립 알레르기 감염병 연구소 제공/ 재판매 및 DB 금지]

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Han Ki-cheon = The new coronavirus is a family of coronaviruses, like the SARS (Acute Respiratory Syndrome) virus, which first prevailed in 2003.

Therefore, the academic name was also made in the form of a serial number attached to SARS-CoV-1 (SARS-CoV-1) (SARS-CoV-2).

However, there is a big difference in infectivity and mortality.

The SARS virus has a higher mortality rate than the new crown in the early stages of the epidemic, but its infectivity is much lower than the new crown.

Scientists at Cornell University in the United States have discovered why the new coronavirus is so infectious.

In order for the new coronaviruses to enter human cells, they must bind to the cell’s ACE2 receptor (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2) with a prominent, sticky spike protein.

The key to the discovery is that this spike protein has a loop structure that allows it to bind more closely to the ACE2 receptor.

Angiotensin is a hormone that increases the blood pressure produced by the blood.

It was also confirmed that there are four amino acid sequences (sequences) in this loop that are not seen in other human coronaviruses.

Gary Whiterker, professor of virology at the University College of Veterinary Medicine, published an article on this on Day 6 in the Journal of Molecular Biology.

“I think this loop structure will play a huge role in infectivity, stability, or the two new coronaviruses,” said Professor Whitterker, lead author of the paper.

Professor Whitker and his colleagues will focus on this loop structure and amino acid sequence for further study.

The study also found that mammals such as cats (Felis) and ferrets and mink (Weasel) are vulnerable to new coronavirus infections.

In cats, the new coronavirus ACE2 receptor binding site is said to be nearly identical to that of humans.

Until now, cats were not well infected with the new coronavirus, and even if they were infected, the symptoms were not severe.

There has been no evidence that cats carry the new coronavirus to humans.

Professor Whitaker hopes that further research on coronavirus infections in cats, weasels, and animals will provide clues to block the new coronavirus.

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