Coronavirus-Infected Cells Grow Filopodia
Published:07 Jul.2020 Source:The Scientist
SARS-CoV-2 causes cells to put out projections that spread the virus, a study finds.
When SARS-CoV-2 infects cultured monkey cells, it co-opts numerous host proteins, changing their function through chemical tags known as phosphate groups, a study finds. Among the effects, the study authors report (June 28) in Cell, is that a cell protein called CK2 spurs the growth of tentacle-like protrusions known as filopodia. These filopodia contain viral particles and are likely used to poke holes in nearby cells, spreading SARS-CoV-2 to them, according to a university press release.