Recent studies indicate that COVID-19 can infiltrate cells in the absence of the ACE2 protein, utilizing alternative pathways for infection. This revelation emphasizes the virus’s capacity for adaptability and its potential to infect various species. Such adaptability accentuates the urgency for ongoing surveillance and scientific inquiry to comprehend and lessen the conceivable dangers presented by the virus and its evolving forms.
These novel understandings are augmenting scientific strategies to preemptively tackle not only COVID-19 but also future pandemics.
Newly discovered mechanisms of how COVID-19 invades cells could elucidate its proficient capability to transition between species and help researchers more precisely anticipate its evolutionary trajectory.
There has been a significant discourse regarding the modalities through which COVID-19 penetrates cells, predominantly focused on its interaction with a human cell protein termed as ACE2. However, latest findings from the University of Virginia School of Medicine disclose that the virus does not necessarily require ACE2 for the infection process. It possesses alternative methods for invading cells.
This multiplicity in infection avenues implies that coronaviruses can employ several “entry points” to access cells, possibly clarifying their exceptional ability to infect a diverse range of species.
Peter Kasson, MD, PhD, affiliated with the University of Virginia’s Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, noted, “While ACE2 serves as the primary point of entry for the virus that triggers COVID-19, if this entry point is obstructed, the virus has the capability to use alternative entry points, such as other openings in the cellular structure. This adaptability allows the virus to perpetuate its spread as it transitions to a new species until it becomes adapted to utilize that species’ primary entry point. Thus, vigilance for new viruses employing similar tactics is imperative.”
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Understanding the Evolution and Impact of COVID-19
To date, COVID-19 has resulted in nearly 7 million fatalities globally. Fortunately, the proliferation of vaccines and the rise in herd immunity have mitigated the immediate risks for the majority, although concerns persist for specific groups like the immunocompromised and the elderly. With the United States lifting its official Public Health Emergency status in May, the majority of the population has resumed a semblance of their pre-pandemic lifestyles. Nonetheless, COVID-19 continues its evolutionary course, prompting scientists to remain vigilant for the emergence of potentially more virulent variants. Ongoing monitoring extends to other coronaviruses that may pose a future public health crisis.
In light of these concerns, Kasson and his research team endeavored to deepen their understanding of the mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, gains entry into human cells. It has been understood that the virus predominantly gains access by binding to ACE2 proteins, which are abundant on cellular surfaces in the respiratory system. However, the team discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can also engage with other proteins for cellular entry. This led them to confirm that ACE2, while the most effective, is not the sole avenue for infection. This unexpected observation may shed light on the exceptional capability of coronaviruses to transmit between species, noted Kasson.
“Coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, have already precipitated one global pandemic and several near-critical events that we are aware of,” he added. “This indicates that other such viruses likely exist, and it is imperative to understand their modes of transmission and factors to monitor.”
Reference: The research article, “The ACE2 receptor accelerates but is not biochemically required for SARS-CoV-2 membrane fusion,” was authored by Marcos Cervantes, Tobin Hess, Giorgio G. Morbioli, Anjali Sengara, and Peter M. Kasson, and published on June 5, 2023, in Chemical Science. DOI: 10.1039/D2SC06967A
Financial support for this study was provided by the Commonwealth Health Research Board, grant number 207-01-18; the Global Infectious Diseases Institute at the University of Virginia; and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, grant number KAW2020.0209.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Virus Adaptability
What is the main takeaway from this article?
The main takeaway is that recent research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine has revealed that COVID-19 can infect cells through alternative methods, aside from its known interaction with the ACE2 protein. This highlights the virus’s adaptability and its potential to infect various species, emphasizing the need for continued research and monitoring.
Why is the virus’s adaptability significant?
The virus’s adaptability is significant because it suggests that coronaviruses, like COVID-19, can use multiple pathways to enter cells, potentially explaining their ability to infect a wide range of species. This adaptability poses ongoing challenges for understanding and mitigating the risks associated with the virus.
How does this research contribute to our understanding of COVID-19?
This research contributes by revealing that ACE2 is not the only pathway for COVID-19 to infect cells. It shows that the virus can utilize other means for cell entry, enhancing our understanding of its infection mechanisms and its potential to infect different species.
What is the broader context of COVID-19 in the article?
The article discusses the impact of COVID-19, including its global fatalities and the availability of vaccines. It also emphasizes the need for ongoing vigilance due to the virus’s continuous evolution and the potential emergence of more dangerous variants. Additionally, it highlights the importance of monitoring other coronaviruses for potential threats to public health.
Who funded the research mentioned in the article?
The research was funded by the Commonwealth Health Research Board, grant 207-01-18; UVA’s Global Infectious Diseases Institute; and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, grant KAW2020.0209.
More about Virus Adaptability
- University of Virginia School of Medicine
- Chemical Science Journal
- Commonwealth Health Research Board
- Global Infectious Diseases Institute at the University of Virginia
- Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation
3 comments
wow, this is so intresting. i had no idear the viris can do this. need to keep a close eye on them coronaviruses!
cool stuff, i never know about the ACE2 protein thingy, now i get it, good research.
Grammar mistakes here, needs more commas and capital letters, but the info’s cool.