Scientists from the Cardiff University have detailed for the first time the molecular composition of the fatty outer covering of the SARS-CoV-2, and they say it could prove to be an important new target for antivirals.
The team’s work on the wrapping of lipids viral was shown to have significant differences from the membranes of healthy host cells. Which suggests the potential for it to be a objective selective.
The research is published today in the Journal of Lipid Research.
SARS-CoV-2: The findings suggest that there is a possibility of attacking the virus in the oral cavity
The Cardiff team used mass spectrometry to create a detailed map of the lipid envelope little known. And he discovered that it was composed mainly of phospholipids but very little cholesterol, unlike the membranes of cells. cells Guest. The findings suggest that there is the possibility of attacking the virus in the oral cavity with therapies without collateral damage to the body’s own cells.
As part of the same study, they conducted a clinical trial on a small scale in patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2. This, to test whether oral rinses containing chemical substances that alter lipids called surfactants could reduce infectivity in the mouth.
In the trial, 27 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 confirmed by PCR received one of four different types of mouthwash. Including two that contained cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). One containing povidone-iodine and one containing saline.
The most effective contained CPC and isopropyl myristate: a single 30-second rinse with this formulation in seven patients eliminated 99.99% virus in saliva at one minute and 99.8% at 60 minutes. In three of the seven patients (about 40%) no live virus was detected in the saliva at any time after the initial rinse.
The lipid envelope could be the target of specific mouthwash formulations
Other formulations containing compounds such as povidone-iodine or saline had little or no effect. Meanwhile he rinse containing CPC and benzoate did not show a persistent effect, suggesting that the formulation is “critical”.
Professor Richard Stanton, co-author of the study from Cardiff University School of Medicine, said: “The findings of our clinical trial suggest that the lipid envelope could be the target of specific mouthrinse formulations.
“Our results suggest that certain mouthwashes could play a role in limiting exposure to COVID-19 in healthcare settings. For example, by destroying the virus long enough to allow a dental or oral exam. It could also be a useful infection prevention and control component for other respiratory-enveloped viruses, such as influenza.”
Professor David Thomas, co-author of the study from Cardiff University School of Dentistry, said: “Larger clinical trials and population-based studies are warranted to determine whether oral rinses have any impact on COVID-19 transmission in practice.
“We encourage people to always use mouthwash safely and according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.”
An important caveat, the researchers say, is that mouthwash cannot attack any viruses in the lower respiratory tract, and it is not yet clear whether the virus that is transmitted to others arises from the upper or lower respiratory tract.
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