Reposted by AM
Researchers discovered SARS-CoV-2 uses two regions of its spike protein that work together like “keys” to enter human cells. One makes initial contact with the cell membrane, while the other penetrates deeper to trigger fusion. The discovery could help identify new ways to block infection.
miragenews.com
Research Reveals Covid-19 Cell Entry Mechanisms
To enter our cells, the Covid-19 virus fuses its surrounding membrane with the membrane of the target cell. This is where the fusion peptides of the
![An educational infographic with a dark blue background and text [Image Sent].
At the top, a bold white header inside a rounded navy box reads "THIS LOOKS LIKE...".
Below the header is a vertical list numbered 1 through 4 inside light blue circles:
• 1: Altered immune system cells. The text notes severe cases can change parent stem cells to create more inflammatory immune cells.
• 2: Viral reservoirs and fragments. The text explains that lingering viral components in Long COVID patients can amplify inflammation.
• 3: Immune dysregulation and chronic inflammation. The text defines dysregulation as some cells overworking while others are exhausted.
• 4: Triggered autoimmune conditions, blood clots, and latent viruses. The text states infections can trigger autoantibodies leading to disorders.
Stylized red blood cells appear in the bottom-left corner. At the bottom, small white text credits the "Yale SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH" along with several medical journal sources.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cyy3irakdgdbhcdtd4ik6aro/bafkreialzhmsdtpmvwgsdunyllena62pv3qwci7jvztvuhvthgdy46pffe)
![An educational infographic with a dark blue background and text [Image Sent].
At the top, a large white header reads "5-20%". Below it, white text explains that this percentage of people develop "lingering symptoms" (highlighted in red) or new conditions after infection, called "Long COVID." (in bold white).
A central paragraph states: "As of the CDC’s latest count in March 2024, 30% [highlighted in red] of all American adults who’ve had COVID have experienced Long COVID."
At the bottom, an illustration shows a person looking unwell in bed under a red blanket with a thermometer in their mouth and a cold compress on their forehead, holding a hot mug. To their left is a large, light blue alarm clock.
At the very bottom, small white text credits the "Yale SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH" and lists the sources as "WHO, CDC".](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:cyy3irakdgdbhcdtd4ik6aro/bafkreieytng5q6imgukqgc5f6tjoq2vbp75h34elmt6yatp2xldpvllc5a)
