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Essential Science: Coronavirus, is the nose a route of infection?

The research, from the Netherlands, shows that once inside the human body, human enzymes termed proteases (specifically, in relation to the novel coronavirus, this is a protease called TMPRSS2 or ‘transmembrane protease, serine 2′) are capable to cleaving the coronavirus in half.

With this process, one specific viral fragment functions to bind to a receptor termed ACE2, and this is a path to get into cells. The coronavirus deploys its spike glycoprotein (the ‘corona’ shape), to bind its receptor, and mediate membrane fusion and virus entry.

Proteases

Proteases are enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of proteins into smaller polypeptides or single amino acids. This happens by cleaving peptide bonds found within proteins through triggering a reaction called hydrolysis.

Brain inflammation is present in brains of autistic patients. — Neurons often have extensive netwo...

Brain inflammation is present in brains of autistic patients. — Neurons often have extensive networks of dendrites, which receive synaptic connections. Shown is a pyramidal neuron from the hippocampus, stained for green fluorescent protein.
Wei-Chung Allen Lee, Hayden Huang, Guoping Feng, Joshua R. Sanes, Emery N. Brown, Peter T. So, Elly

This is an area of focus is because ACE2 and TMPRSS2 have been detected in both nasal and bronchial epithelium by immunohistochemistry.

Key risks around the nose

A science team from University Medical Center Groningen, looking at different points of viral entry and the relative risks around this, indicate that with the nose, cells called goblet and ciliated cells contain particularly high levels of the protease TMPRSS2 as well as ACE2 proteins.

The video below provides some related insights into the novel coronavirus:

This important finding could provide the answer as to why the virus can be transmitted so readily.

Data source

To arrive at the conclusion about the vulnerability around the nose, the research team drew upon datasets located within the Human Cell Atlas (HCA) to identify the cells that express ACE2 and TMPRSS2.

Data leaks are growing  but companies are being overwhelmed

Data leaks are growing, but companies are being overwhelmed
Pixabay / Pexels

This inquiry also signaled that cells in the lining of the intestine and the cornea of the eye also provide easy pathways for the virus to cause an infection.

Research significance

Talking to the science website Laboratory Roots, the lead researcher Dr. Martijn Nawijn states: “This is the first time these particular cells in the nose have been associated with COVID-19…our findings are consistent with the rapid infection rates of the virus seen so far.”

He adds: “The location of these cells on the surface of the inside of the nose make them highly accessible to the virus, and also may assist with transmission to other people.”

Such knowledge can provides the basis for developing potential treatments to reduce the spread of the virus.

Research paper

The research has been published in the prestigious journal Nature Medicine. The research paper is titled “SARS-CoV-2 entry factors are highly expressed in nasal epithelial cells together with innate immune genes.”

Essential Science

This article is part of Digital Journal’s regular Essential Science columns. Each week Tim Sandle explores a topical and important science subject.

The friendly new electrode is comfortable and accessible  allowing users to carry on as usual with t...

The friendly new electrode is comfortable and accessible, allowing users to carry on as usual with their daily routines, while monitoring their muscle activity for many hours, for a range of medical and other purposes.
Prof. Yael Hanein, Tel Aviv University

Last week the topic was looking at electronic skin devices, including a new developed that is powered by the sweat of the wearer. Such a device can provide accurate readings relating to heart rate and blood sugar levels, heralding a leap forward in wearable devices.

The week before, the focus was a new study into the Milky Way’s hundreds of satellite galaxies. Scientists expect that further examination could help reveal link between dark matter halos and galaxy formation.

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Written By

Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news. Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.

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