Researchers Unearth Pocket in the SARS-CoV-2 Virus That May Aid Treatment

An electron cryo-microscopy of the novel coronavirus’ infamous “spike” revealed a small pocket containing linoleic acid (LA) buried deep within it. A polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid, LA is involved in inflammation and immune modulation, which greatly impact the severity of COVID-19. Researchers from the United Kingdom’s University of Bristol, Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Biomedical Research, and Switzerland’s Geneva Biotech Sàrl suggest this pocket could be used to deliver anti-viral medications specifically designed to hinder the viability of SARS-CoV-2. Such an approach has been used successfully to reduce the infectivity of the rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. Read more here.