According to the scientists, the strong affinity between the virus and the decoy receptor, rivals that of the best antibodies identified to date. The scientists found that the decoy receptor not only binds to the virus in live tissue cultures, but it also effectively neutralises it, preventing cells from becoming infected. Because the viruses in circulation can probably bind to the decoy, preventing further infection, but there can also be viruses which get into cells,” Umamaheswari said. “The decoy protein may not neutralise these. Since the decoy protein closely resembles the ACE2 receptor, Umamaheswari said future studies assessing if it interferes with the body’s blood pressure regulation process are needed to evaluate its safety in humans.

Source: Hindustan Times August 05, 2020 10:52 UTC