How is such a structure associated with its viral effects?
With over one million SARS-CoV-2 infections worldwide, the coronavirus out has been labeled a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). We have all seen the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. But the team of 3DforScience has decided to go one step further and show how COVID-19 looks from the inside out in a highly detailed scientific animation.
Discover the COVID-19 structure by this video animation
The S- Protein is the one giving the coronavirus’ family its characteristic surface shape and thus, its name (corona means ‘crown’ in Spanish). It is also the most relevant protein within the surface (or envelope) of the virus. The S-protein mediates the attachment between the virus and host cells surface receptors, in addition to facilitating the viral entry into our cells by assisting in the fusion of the viral and host cell membrane. Thus, this protein is responsible for infecting cells and therefore, it could explain why COVID-19 is so contagious.
Structural analysis on the S-protein suggests this protein is activated by an enzyme found in a variety of human tissues such as the lungs, liver and small intestine. This might explain why the virus has the potential to attack multiple organs, as well as the cause of the various symptoms. All of this makes the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 the main target for the development of a treatment.
How can 3DforScience help you?
3DforScience is a scientific communication company specialized in visual content for the life science sector. We are a passionate creative team of scientists, marketers, artists, and animators with a shared aim: to help you improve your scientific communication with innovative and unique creative solutions.
We can help to boost your scientific communication capabilities by designing unique creative solutions as 3D animation videos or illustrations. Would you like to bring your scientific messaging to life? Contact us. We would be pleased to provide you with a unique creation.
