An international group of scientists revealed potential targets for drugs from various diseases, including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and even COVID-19. This is reported in an article published in Molecular Cell magazine.
When viruses or bacteria fall into the body, the complement system is activated – a complex of protective proteins permanently present in the blood, including two different membrane receptors, called C5AR1 and C5AR2. Although this mechanism is necessary to combat harmful pathogens, excessive and continuous activation leads to the development of inflammation and even to life-threatening states, such as those that cause serious complications at COVID-19.
Researchers opened the internal C5AR2 device using CRISPR and cryogenic electron microscopy, which gave an additional opportunity for therapeutic effect on COVID-19. For the treatment of coronavirus infection, some scientists are already trying to block the C5ar1 receptor, and clinical tests of Avdoralimab in patients with severe pneumonia caused by SARS-COV-2 are already held. According to scientists, the study opens up the possibility of influencing C5ar2 with new drug molecules that can communicate with this receptor and block its activation.
Earlier it was reported that researchers from the UK showed that nanotella lace can effectively neutralize SARS-COV-2 and are a perspective tool against COVID-19.