3 ms·
Perhaps someone with a better understanding of virology can clarify this for me. My understanding is that the coronavirus binds to relatively generic cell rece
by lend000 7y ago
Perhaps someone with a better understanding of virology can clarify this for me.
My understanding is that the coronavirus binds to relatively generic cell receptors present on lots of different cell types (ACE-2 and possibly others) and this is responsible for the wide variety of symptoms, depending on which of the many susceptible areas of the body get infected first.
This may also enable lots of different species with these similar generic receptors to become infected. This virus seems like the ultimate generalist.
- etiam 7y agoHardly ultimate, but coronaviruses are apparently (in)famous for a relatively high propensity to cross species barriers. This review from 2017 looks very relevant https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coviro.2017.01.002 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coviro.2017.01.002 I'll leave the rest to people who may have specialist level competence on the topic.