Thread by @ejustin46

The DESTRUCTION of SARS-CoV-2 DOESN'T ’t MARK the END of COVID-19 !

"One way the immune system fights viruses is by breaking down the viral proteins into small fragments that resemble molecules called antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pn…

2) These AMP-dsRNA complexes have been shown to trigger inflammation and have been implicated in autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis.

3) The scientists dubbed these AMP-like peptides “xenoAMPs.” Notably, SARS-CoV-2 contained more potential xenoAMPs than common cold coronaviruses.

Fig. Existence of exogenous mimics of pro-inflam matory host antimicrobial peptides (xenoAMPs) in SARS CoV-2 proteins

4) XenoAMPs bound to dsRNA and caused it to form liquid crystalline structures like those formed when AMPs bind to dsRNA. These structures were the optimal size and shape for binding to certain receptors that control the innate immune response."

5) Fig. XenoAMPs from SARS-CoV-2 but not homologs from HCOV-OC43 organize poly(I:C) into ordered complexes that amplify immune responses.

5) “The textbooks tell us that after the virus is destroyed, the sick host ‘wins,’ and different pieces of virus can be used to train the immune system for future recognition. COVID-19 reminds us that it’s not this simple,”

6) Text extracts from this interesting article

Figures are from the study about viral afterlife
Thanks for reading 🙏nih.gov/news-events/ni…