Studies identify potential factors contributing to the severity of COVID-19

Canterbury, September 27, 2021:

A protein that may decisively contribute to the severe form of COVID-19 has recently been identified by the University of Kent School of Biological Sciences and the University of Kent Institute of Medical Virology.

A study entitled “The Potential Role of the CD47-SIRP alpha Axis in COVID-19 Pathogenesis” was published by the scientific journal Current Issues in Molecular Biology.

SARS-CoV-2 is a coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Many people develop only mild or no symptoms when infected with SARS-CoV-2, while others develop severe life-threatening illnesses.

Researchers have found that infection of cells with SARS-CoV-2 results in increased levels of a protein called CD47 on the cell surface.

CD47s are the so-called “don’t eat me” signal to the immune system’s defenses that prevent cells from being destroyed. Virus-induced CD47s on the surface of infected cells protect the cells from the recognition of the immune system, allow the production of large amounts of virus, and can cause more serious illness.

Well-known risk factors for severe COVID-19, such as the elderly and diabetes, are associated with elevated CD47 levels. High CD47 levels also contribute to high blood pressure. Hypertension is a major risk factor for COVID-19 complications such as heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.

Data suggest that age- and virus-induced high CD47 levels contribute to severe COVID-19 by preventing an effective immune response and increasing disease-related tissue and organ damage. I am.

This discovery may improve COVID-19 therapies, as treatments targeting CD47 are under development.

“This is exciting. It may have identified a major factor associated with severe COVID-19. This is a major step in combating the disease and of design,” said Martin Michaelis, a professor at the University of Kent. I look forward to further progress. Of the cure. “

Professor Jindrich Sinattle of Frankfurt, Goethe University, said: , We have made great strides and demonstrated that the fight against illness continues. ” ET Health World