The research was performed where there was close monitoring of the link between the HIV virus and DNA. Viruses have been found to take advantage of the special vertebrate DNA fingerprint to disguise themselves in their hosts. Through inserting CG nucleotide pairs back into the virus genomes, as scientists removed the camouflage, −host cells were able to install effective defenses and drastically reduce the number of viruses.
Scientists, including those of Indian descent, have solved a molecule structure that the novel coronavirus uses to make its genetic code appear to be part of the host’s own. It could lead to new antiviral drugs against COVID-19 emerging. According to the research published in the journal Nature Communications, the nsp10 molecule modifies viral mRNAs (which are protein-producing blueprints) to imitate the mRNAs of the host cell itself. The nsp10 molecule modifies viral mRNAs (which are protein-producing blueprints) to mimic the mRNAs of the host cell, according to work published in the journal Nature Communications.
“Coronavirus molecules camouflage. Because of the modifications, which fool the cell, the resulting viral messenger RNA is now considered as part of the cell’s own code and not foreign,” said Yogesh Gupta, a co-author of the study from UT Health San Antonio. Deciphering the nsp16 3D structure paves the way for the design of new drugs against the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, and other emerging coronavirus infections, according to researchers. Gupta said these drugs can be engineered to prevent nsp16 from making the changes, so the host immune system can pounce on the invading virus, recognizing it as alien.
“Yogesh’s research discovered the 3D structure of a key COVID-19 virus enzyme necessary to replicate it, and found a pocket in it that could be targeted to inhibit that enzyme. It is a fundamental advance in our understanding of the virus, “said study co-author Robert Hromas. The researchers have suggested structural sites on the SARS-CoV-2 nsp10 molecule based on the findings which they say may be targeted for antiviral growth. coronavirus molecules camouflage
