1. Polycations and polyanions in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Author
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Ginsburg, I. and Fibach, E.
- Subjects
SARS-CoV-2 ,POLYANIONS ,COVID-19 ,NATURAL immunity ,CELL membranes - Abstract
We hypothesize that polycations, such as nuclear histones, released by neutrophils COVID-19 aggravate COVID-19 by multiple mechanisms: (A) Neutralization of the electrostatic repulsion between the virus particles and the cell membrane, thereby enhancing receptor-mediated entry. (B) Binding to the virus particles, thereby inducing opsonin-mediated endocytosis. (C) Adding to the cytotoxicity, in conjunction with oxidants, cytokines and other pro-inflammatory substances secreted by cells of the innate immunity system. These effects may be alleviated by the administration of negatively charged polyanions such as heparins and heparinoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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