Heparin-Induced Allosteric Changes in SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Facilitate ACE2 Binding and Viral Entry.

Understanding the entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) into host cells is crucial in the battle against COVID-19. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), we probed the interaction between the virus's spike protein and heparan sulfate (HS) as a potential attachment factor. Our AFM studies revealed a moderate-affinity interaction between the spike protein and HS on both model surfaces and living cells, highlighting HS's role in early viral attachment.

Multivalent 9-O-Acetylated-sialic acid glycoclusters as potent inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The recent emergence of highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants illustrates the urgent need to better understand the molecular details of the virus binding to its host cell and to develop anti-viral strategies. While many studies focused on the role of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor in the infection, others suggest the important role of cell attachment factors such as glycans. Here, we use atomic force microscopy to study these early binding events with the focus on the role of sialic acids (SA).

Bunge as a Potential Natural Compound against COVID-19.

Bunge, commonly called danshen, is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for its cardiovascular and neuroprotective effects, which include antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the preclinical potential of extracts for the treatment of COVID-19. First, the impact of the extract on the binding between SARS-CoV-2 and the cellular ACE2 receptors was assessed using atomic force microscopy (AFM), showing a significant reduction in binding by the extract at concentrations in the µg/mL range.

Identifying SARS-COV-2 infected patients through canine olfactive detection on axillary sweat samples; study of observed sensitivities and specificities within a group of trained dogs.

There is an increasing need for rapid, reliable, non-invasive, and inexpensive mass testing methods as the global COVID-19 pandemic continues. Detection dogs could be a possible solution to identify individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. Previous studies have shown that dogs can detect SARS-CoV-2 on sweat samples.