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Double punch against the Virus, researchers will find a way to enable Corona-killer cells
A targeted therapy against Covid-19 yet. Frankfurt researchers now want to do, however, have discovered an enzyme that could be on the way to an effective drug is still Central. It could mean a “double whammy” against the Virus.
Sars-CoV-2 a penetrates into human cells, it’s there own proteins by the human host cell to produce. One of these Virus proteins is particularly essential for the propagation and rapid spread of the Virus: the enzyme Papain-like Protease, short-PLpro.
An international Team of scientists under the auspices of the Goethe-University of Frankfurt and the University hospital Frankfurt has now found out that the inhibition of this viral enzyme, not only the Virus replication is blocked, but at the same time, the defensive reaction of the immune system strengthens. Their results were published in the prestigious journal “Nature”.
Sars-CoV-2 suppresses the immune system
In the case of infection Sars must overcome-CoV-2 is a fundamentally different defense mechanisms of the human body. The nonspecific or innate immune defense heard. This infected body cells release certain messenger substances – so-called type-I interferons. These attract natural killer cells that kill the infected cells.
This immune the Coronavirus can defense, however, under press. That is why so many people with the virus plug in and ill sometimes difficult. The human cell allows the Virus Protein PLpro manufacture.
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What is the enzyme causes in the body
PLpro has two functions:
- Firstly, it acts in the maturation and release of new virus particles.
- Secondly, suppresses the formation of type I interferons and prevented the fight against the Virus by the body’s own killer cells.
These processes were able to observe the Frankfurt scientists now, in cell culture experiments. They blocked in addition, PLpro, the virus has been inhibited production and at the same time the congenital strengthened immune response of human cells.
So you have a possible weak spot of Sars-CoV-2 identified and a starting point for an effective drug against the Virus found that now more research needs to be.
