SARS-CoV 2; Possible alternative virus receptors and pathophysiological determinants

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Immunology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, necessitating research into its infection mechanisms.
• Understanding viral entry and immune evasion is crucial for developing treatments and vaccines.
• Current models focus on ACE2 receptor and TMPRSS2 protease for viral entry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential alternative mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 cell entry.
• To explore the role of host molecules, including glycans and sialic acids, in viral infection.
• To rationalize the possibility of sugar molecules acting as virus receptors or aiding adherence to ACE2.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and theoretical rationalization of proposed mechanisms.
• Analysis of viral structure and host cell interactions.
• Hypothesizing the role of O-linked glycans, N-linked glycans, and sialic acids in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Results:

• SARS-CoV-2 may utilize O-linked glycans and N-linked glycans as binding sites for infection.
• Sugar molecules, including sialic acids (N-glycolylneuraminic acid, N-acetylneuraminic acid), are proposed as potential alternative receptors.
• These molecules could facilitate viral adherence to ACE2 or act as independent entry receptors.

Conclusions:

• SARS-CoV-2 may employ diverse strategies for host cell entry beyond the established ACE2 pathway.
• Glycans and sialic acids represent promising targets for understanding and combating viral infection.
• Further research is warranted to validate the role of these molecules in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.