Fighting SARS CoV-2 at the molecular level

May 29, 2020—Professor Jonathan Sachs and team aim to develop and manipulate molecules that can prevent the novel coronavirus from attaching to human cells. If effective, this method would take the burden off the immune system to prevent infection at its core.

SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, infects cells by attaching spike proteins to receptors on the surface of the cells—much like a key slides into a lock. 

“If you imagine going up to your house and taking your keys out, you’ve got to put your key in the door so it unlocks,” said Prof. Sachs. “The virus has to do that. The spike protein is kind of like the key. 

He adds, "We’re trying to cover the key with Krazy glue so that when you’re trying to put the key in the lock, it won’t go in. The virus would just bounce off.”