SARS-Cov-2

protACT - Aktivierung und therapeutische Hemmung des SARS-CoV-2 Spike-Proteins

01.07.2020 bis 31.12.2021

The spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 harbors a poly-basic motif that can be cleaved by the ubiquitously expressed cellular protease furin. This project aims at deciphering the role of furin and related proteases in the activation of SARS-CoV-2 spike and the downstream effects on viral infectivity and replication. Furthermore, this study determines the impact of endogenous and exogenous furin inhibitors on SARS-CoV-2 replication. The project will not only provide important insights into the determinants of SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and tropism, but also help to assess consequences of mutations emerging during the current outbreak and might identify promising targets for therapeutic intervention.