The name of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is derived from the Latin corona (crown). If you look at the Corona 19 virus in close-up, the spike protein in the shape of a sharp projection is attached to the nucleus, because this shape resembles a crown.
The international scientific journal Science published this week’s cover of a coronavirus with spike proteins attached to it. In addition to the proteins attached to the coronavirus, the colorful spike proteins surrounding it are visible.
The COVID-19 virus, like other viruses, continues to mutate. As various mutations occur in the spike protein that binds to the virus, the ability to evade previously developed vaccines or therapeutics is getting stronger. The various types of spike proteins on the label indicate the constant evolution of the coronavirus.
Science published a graphic article on the 13th (local time) covering the research on COVID-19 by scientists published until the summer of 2022. According to previous studies, cells attacked by COVID-19 release interferon, an immune protein that increases resistance to the virus. This protein also prevents the virus from reproducing in cells or reassembling into new viral particles.
The ‘B cells’ of the immune system in our body secrete antibodies that fight viral proteins. Antibodies prevent virus particles from spreading. When the spike protein is mutated, it avoids the antibody and spreads into the body.
Research into how the COVID-19 virus destroys our body’s immune system is still ongoing. The functions of our body that can increase immunity have not been confirmed yet.
“Scientists don’t know everything regarding the coronavirus’s tactics to evade the immune system’s defenses, but we might learn a lot more regarding the virus as the pandemic continues,” Science said.
