Laura Beth McIntire, PhD, "Targeted lipid discovery for SARS-CoV2"
The viral association with the host cell plasma membrane is mediated by the glycoproteins spike (S) protein of the coronavirus. The S protein binds to Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on human respiratory epithelial cells, but entry also depends on lipid binding. Binding of specific lipids and the specific content of the lipid environment may affect multiple stages of viral infectivity. Dr. McIntire has a high throughput assay, similar to an EILSA, that she uses to target Abeta for treatment in Alzheimer’s disease and proposes to use this screen for specific lipid interactions as well as small molecules which are able to inhibit the specific lipid protein interaction. She is looking for collaborators to partner with her on this project.
The original summary was provided by the presenter and was edited to maintain consistency.
