Heparin sulfate: the key to coronavirus infection

-Arpita Adhikary, Amity University Kolkata

It has been observed in the studies that when the SARS-CoV-2 virus infects – Heparin sulfate and ACE2 enter inside the cells. The course of viral entry and successful attachment is quite limpid. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors are present on the outer surface of cells that line the lungs. SARS-CoV-2 uses ACE2 as a medium to enter inside cells. As SARS-CoV-2 cannot make a move without a carbohydrate, Heparin sulfate acts as a co-receptor for viral entry. Mainly receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interacts with heparin; the receptor-binding domain exposes and increases binding to ACE2. In order to get through human lung cells and for further spread of infection SARS-CoV-2 spike protein must bind with both heparin sulfate and ACE2.

The combat methods have been suggested. Primarily, two approaches are being considered to reduce the infection :

• Enzymes are used to remove heparin sulfate from lung cell surfaces to block the interaction.
• Heparin can be used as a bait to bind the coronavirus away from human cells.

So researchers concluded from the above study, that novel therapeutic opportunities can be implemented by the manipulation of heparin sulfate or inhibition of viral adhesion by exogenous heparin. We are all eagerly waiting for what more can be done, considering the after-effects of Heparin manipulation.

Source:

Thomas Mandel Clausen et al, SARS-CoV-2 Infection Depends on Cellular Heparan Sulfate and ACE2, Cell (2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.09.033

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