Understanding SARS-CoV-2: From the Origin to Current Research

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become an ongoing global health emergency. At present, Cyagen continues to make significant progress on the development of animal models for novel pneumonia research, vaccine development, or new drug screenings. We are currently working on several models focused on key receptors for coronaviruses (ACE2, DPP4, and APN genes), including the following constructs: humanized, knockout (KO), and ROSA26 knockin (KI) mouse models available across both C57BL/6 and BALB/c background strains. Precise genetically modified mice that provide optimal research conditions for understanding viral pathology can be provided to scientific research institutes and biopharmaceutical companies upon request.

Herein, we track the virus from its origin to current research efforts, with the aim of providing inspiration for further research and vaccine development – “Understanding SARS-CoV-2: From the Origin to Current Research” – in which you can learn:

1. The Origins of SARS-CoV-2

Scientists have performed sequencing analysis and comparisons, as well as infectious disease and epidemiological investigations, to determine SARS-CoV-2 was originally derived from bats.

2. What is Known About SARS-CoV-2

SARS-CoV-2 is a branch of the coronavirus family - it is a positive-strand RNA virus composed of four main proteins and genetic material wrapped with several auxiliary proteins. The pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 is mainly mediated through the binding of S protein to the host cell receptors determined by viral tropism.

3. Attachment and Invasion of SARS-CoV-2

The main host cell receptors of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and hCoV-NL63 are angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The low pH in the cellular environment and related cathepsins help membrane fusion to allow viruses to enter the cell. Based on previous research, we found several host receptor molecules that are very good mediators between viruses and cells - transmembrane protease TMPRSS2, ADAM17, IFITM3, LY6E and CD209L (L-SIGN).

4. The Replication Process of SARS-CoV-2

The process of viral invasion, SARS-CoV-2 has to undergo attachment, entry into the host cell, replicase-transcriptase translation, genome replication, mRNA transcription, and assembly of new virus parts and virus progeny.

5. SARS-CoV-2 and Innate Immunity

• Toll-like Receptor (TLR)
• Retinoic Acid Inducible Gene I (RIG1) Protein-Like Receptor (RLR)
• Nucleotide Oligomerization-like Receptor (NLR)

6. Current Research Status of SARS-CoV-2

• SARS-CoV-2 Directly Destroys Human Spleen and Lymph Nodes
• The Evolutionary Origin of the SARS-CoV-2 Sarbecovirus Subgenus Led to the Novel Pneumonia COVID-19 Epidemic
• Nucleocapsid Protein(nCoVN) of SARS-CoV-2 Eliminates the Pluripotency of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)
• The Structural Basis of SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Recognition
• Applications of Animal Models in SARS-CoV-2 Viral Diseases

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About Cyagen:

As the world's leading provider of custom mouse and rat models, we have successfully delivered over 50,000 custom animal models to researchers across the globe. With the introduction of Cyagen AI Knockout Mouse Model eBank, we continue to expand our services in order to provide the most comprehensive offerings for both research institutions and pharmaceutical corporations. Cyagen has been cited in over 3,600 publications across highly reputed peer-reviewed journals such as Nature, JCI, Cancer cell, Immunity, and more – all in under 15 years.