The molecular microenvironment of coronaviral replicase complexes provides functional and spatial links between conserved cellular processes and viral RNA synthesis, and highlights potential targets for the development of novel antivirals.
The HCoV-229E coronavirus S-protein accommodates extensive mutational change and possesses hydrophilic subunit interfaces in the S2 region, features that provide new insights into immune evasion, cross-species transmission and membrane fusion.
SARS-CoV-2 has evolved to cleverly mimic the FURIN-cleavage site in human ENaC-α, unlike any prior coronavirus strain, shedding new light on the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in COVID-19 patients.
SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 is expressed in nasal olfactory epithelia, tongue keratinocytes and small intestine enterocytes, connected with the COVID-19 patient phenotypes such as anosmia and diarrhea.
Key numbers about the biology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the infection of a single human host by the virus have been compiled from the peer-reviewed literature.
MERS-CoV infections in the Arabian Peninsula are the result of several hundred spillover events from viruses circulating in camels into the human population.
Current evidence does not suggest adverse effects of ACE inhibitors or ARBs in COVID-19 patients and, to the contrary, discontinuing these drugs in these patients may potentially be harmful.
