The Protein Man's Blog | A Discussion of Protein Research

What are lipid rafts and what purpose do they serve? Despite numerous studies, the existence and exact nature of lipid rafts continue to elude researchers due to the apparent limitations in the methods used in isolating and studying them. However, recent studies indicate that these rafts may play an important role in the compartmentalization of cellular membrane processes and in the development of various diseases.

Understanding the mechanisms of COVID-19 endocytosis is a critical component when monitoring nascent variants of COVID-19. Increased affinity to the ACE2 receptor may lead to an increase in pathogenicity and higher transmissibility. The Delta variant of COVID-19 has been shown to have substitutions and or combinations of substitutions in the spike protein. More data is required to fully characterize the pathogenicity of each variant. The Delta variant makes up about 80% of new observed mutants. The characterization of this variant is extensive and demonstrates increased transmissibility (2) along with a significant increase in hospitalization of unvaccinated individuals (3).

Considering these observations, let’s once again take a look at the ACE2 receptor and it’s role in the endocytosis of COVID-19 into the human cell.