Specialists at the University of California have identified an efficient method to beat coronavirus by acting on molecules that allow the infection to enter the body, Report informs, citing journal Cell.
According to them, COVID-19 cannot infect cells without the heparan sulfate molecule. They are located on the surface of lung cells and act as receptors for the virus to enter the body.
Earlier, experts found that SARS-CoV-2 binds to healthy cells. It then enters the body through the ACE2 receptor.
It has now been identified that heparan sulfate acts as a preservative, i.e., the virus additionally comes into contact with the cell before it connects.
So, removing heparan sulfate from the cell would reduce coronavirus's ability to enter the body by 80-90%. Also, heparin can be used as a "trap" for the virus without touching human cells.
Scientists believe that the discovery will help develop new effective drugs against COVID-19.