An international team from the University of Bristol is paving the way for a new way to fight the corona virus.
The scientists believes that small molecular antiviral drugs will be developed to prevent the virus from infecting human cells.
The spike proteins on the surface of the virus are the main factor in the transmission of infection to human cells.
Scientists have discovered a drug pocket inside the SARS-Cov-2 (virus that causes Covid-19) spike protein, which they hope could lead to new antiviral drugs. They believe, therefore, that the virus can be destroyed before it affects human cells.
Scientists found a small molecule called linoleic acid (LA) in the pocket inside the spike protein. The human body is unable to produce the fatty acid linoleic, which is essential for many cellular functions.
The acid also plays an important role in helping people to breathe properly and maintain their immune system.
“Our discovery provides the first direct link between LA, Covid-19 pathological manifestations and the virus itself,” said Imre Berger, a professor at the University of Bristol.
The team used a powerful imaging technology called electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) to analyse the SARS-Cov-2 spike.
In addition, they created the 3D structure of SARS Cov-2 spike protein. This allows scientists to look deeper into the spike and identify its molecular structure.
The team was inspired by previous studies on the rhinovirus, a virus that causes the common cold. The group said that a similar pocket was used to produce potent small molecules that were effectively used as anti-viral drugs in human clinical trials.
They hope that a similar method can be used in the production of smaller molecular antiviral drugs against SARS-COV-2, which causes the corona virus.