Christy Sakaziro
A study published in Science Daily indicates that a “new potential drug target has been identified in SARS CoV-2 — the virus that causes Covid-19 — by scientists who say multiple drugs will likely be needed to respond to the pandemic.”
According to scientists from the Northwestern University-Feinberg School of Medicine, they have “mapped the atomic structure of two critical proteins, nsp10/16, [that] modify the genetic material of the virus to make it look more like the host (human) cell RNA. This allows the virus to hide from the cells, giving it time to multiply. If a drug can be developed to inhibit nsp10/nsp16, the immune system should be able to detect the virus and eradicate it faster.”
Lead investigator Karla Satchell added, “This is a really beautiful target, because it’s a protein absolutely essential for the virus to replicate.”
Many residents interviewed online by this writer are very concerned about Covid-19. They are eager to hear news about the current efforts to find a cure. One resident said the pandemic is affecting the mental health of many people.
Meanwhile, while we eagerly wait for updates about the search for a cure, we should stay at home as much as possible, regularly wash our hands with soap and water, exercise indoors, and eat healthy food such as vegetables and fruits.
For more information, go to https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public
