Researchers are discovering new things about how SARS-CoV-2 affects cells

The molecular details of how SARS-CoV-2 enters and is absorbed by cells are not yet clear. Researchers at Uppsala University have tested bioinformatic predictions made by another research group and have identified receptors that may be important players in the process. The results are presented in the journal Science Mark and at the AAAS AGM held this week.

The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds the ACE2 protein outside the human cell. This triggers a series of events that attack the cell with the virus. The molecular details of this process have been unclear despite much research on SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. Furthermore, ACE2 is not present in human lung cells, which would suggest that different players are involved when the virus affects these cells.

A recent study by researchers at Uppsala University sheds new light on the issues. The study was published back-to-back with an international team-led study led by Dr Toby Gibson at the European Molecular Biology (EMBL) laboratory in Heidelberg. The Gibson study predicted potentially important interactions for Sars-CoV-2 induction into the cell.

The researchers at Uppsala University tested the bioinformatic predictions in vitro and could show that ACE2 and the integrin beta3 co-receptor have the potential to interact with key players involved in endocytosis and autophagy – cellular processes of uptake and disposal of substances. This means that the virus can take over these processes once they are infected.

Gibson’s team is a world leader in the bioinformatic analysis of these types of interactions, and we were thrilled to continue their predictions. Our results also helped them to improve their analysis. It was an easy decision to get involved in this project, as our laboratory is very interested in protein-host-pathogen interactions. “

Ylva Ivarsson, Professor, Uppsala University