Identification of co-receptors and auxiliary proteins employed by SARS-CoV2 for cellular entry.

COVID-19 Research Area(s): Vaccines & Treatments

The virus SARS-CoV-2 enters our cells because of the Ace-2 receptor. This receptor however does not work alone in the cell membrane.  It is thus necessary to identify what are the other components working with Ace-2 in order to find ways to block viral entry.  

We aim to identify the partners of the Ace-2 receptor in different tissue types using water-soluble Peptidiscs whose content can be determined by mass spectrometry. In collaboration with Dr. Bach, we hope to capture the partners of Ace-2 before and after exposure to the virus Spike proteins. This knowledge is essential to understand the infection process, and for identifying novel therapeutic targets that will guide the rational design of counter-measures (drugs, antibodies, vaccines) that inhibit viral infection.