> [Covid] primarily uses a protein called the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor to enter human cells. Lung cells have high levels of ACE2 receptors, which is why the COVID-19 virus often causes severe problems in this organ of infected people.
> Like ACE2, LRRC15 is a receptor for coronavirus, meaning the virus can bind to it. But unlike ACE2, LRRC15 does not support infection. It can, however, stick to the virus and immobilise it. In the process, it prevents other vulnerable cells from becoming infected.
> “We think it acts a bit like Velcro, molecular Velcro, in that it sticks to the spike of the virus and then pulls it away from the target cell types,” Dr Loo said.
> “Basically, the virus is coated in the other part of the Velcro, and while it's trying to get to the main receptor, it can get caught up in this mesh of LRRC15,” Mr Waller said.
Given then that this protein is synthesized by our body, and in people with less severe COVId more of this protein was found, and less in more severe cases, could mRNA injections be used to stimulate/ramp up production?
The approach mentioned in the article is a nasal spray which I suppose is easier to manufacture.
This then begs the question, could mRNA injections be used in place of traditional medication?
Probably no if the medication needs to be targeted at a specific region, yes?
Could it be that the complexity of the protein affects our capacity to produce medication for it?
Or is it that the means of administration is the main factor on how we select our approach?
With mRNA vaccines we get the cells to produce the protein. Does this imply that synthesis of the spike protein is difficult, or is it that administration is?