A team of biologists from the International Biophysical Society announced the creation of a longHR2_42 substance that can suppress all variants of SARS-CoV-2. To do this, they used part of the S-protein of the coronavirus envelope. results research Scientists published in the journal PNAS.
“The S-protein molecules in living coronavirus particles consist of two parts, short and long, which form the complex necessary for the virus to enter cells. “We synthesized a short molecule analog that fits inside the S-protein and prevents the virus from infecting cells,” said Stanford University professor Axel Brunger.
The S-protein is a spike growth on the surface of the virus membrane, thanks to the penetration of SARS-CoV-2 into human and other mammalian cells. This is why most vaccines specifically target the S protein of the virus.
The new drug targets the seventh power of HR1HR2, a portion of the protein that plays a critical role in the virus’ entry into human cells. The drug causes HR1HR2 to bind to a scientists-modified version of the HR2 peptide, which inhibits the reproduction of the pathogen in the body.
In addition, HR1HR2 remains virtually unchanged as SARS-CoV-2 evolves, as drugs that affect it act on all strains of the pathogen, including Omicron.
Now scientists are conducting experiments on mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. In the future, it is planned to use the drug by inhalation. This will prevent serious respiratory symptoms.