Indian scientists develop novel mechanism to inactivate SARS-CoV-2

Tags: Science and Technology

Indian  Scientists have developed an innovative system to inactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus by preventing the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into the cells of the body, reducing its infection capacity.

Important facts 

• For this, the researchers have informed about the design of a new class of synthesized peptides.

• This peptide can not only inhibit the entry of SARS-CoV-2 virus into cells, but can also entangle virus particles together in a manner that reduces their ability to infect.

• This new effort provides an alternative mechanism to inactivate viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and  promises a new class of peptides as antivirals.

• The research was supported under the COVID-19 IRPHA call of the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

What is the new innovative system?

• The developed peptides are helical and hairpin-like in shape.

• Each of these is able to associate with another of its kind, which is known as a dimmer.

• Each dimeric 'bundle' presents two surfaces for interaction with the two target molecules.

• Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science, in collaboration with researchers from the CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, have taken advantage of this approach to design these peptides.

• The team of researchers used a peptide called SIH-5 to target the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 receptors of SARS-CoV-2's spike(S) protein and SARS-CoV-2's ACE2 protein in human cells.

What is the sars-cov-2 virus?

• It is responsible for causing the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

• SARS means Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

• For the first time in 2019, it was reported that SARS-CoV-2 can infect people as well.

• It is believed that the virus spreads from person to person through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.

• Coronaviruses are a specific family of viruses, some of which cause less-severe damage, such as the common cold, while others cause respiratory and intestinal diseases.