- A protein on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus might explain why it infects human cells so readily. Coronaviruses use a ‘spike’ protein to infect cells. A handful of genetic and structural analyses suggest SARS-CoV-2’s spike protein is activated by an enzyme found in lots of human tissues, including the lungs, liver and small intestines. That means that the virus has the potential to attack multiple organs, and it could explain some of the symptoms of the infection. Other research has shown that the spike protein binds to a particular receptor on human cells — angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Both results, although early, hint at places where a treatment might target the virus. (Nature | 5 min read)
- A study originally set up to track influenza in Seattle is now at the centre of ground zero for COVID-19 in the United States. With testing in the country bogged down by problems, researchers in the Seattle Flu Study created their own diagnostic test — which revealed that the virus was spreading undetected in Washington state. Infectious-disease specialist Helen Chu, who co-leads the study, and other researchers on the ground share how they are helping the state prepare for a deluge of cases. (Nature | 8 min read)
- The US government will allocate US$8.3 billion to the country’s coronavirus response. More than $3 billion will go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration for research on diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. Much of the rest will go to individual states for local responses. (Nature | Continuously updated)
Read the latest coronavirus news, continuously updated on Nature. |
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