1105-Coronavirus Interactome Mapping in Bat and Human Cells
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms that allow coronaviruses to transition between bats and humans by comparing their protein-protein interaction maps. By analyzing SARS-CoV-2 alongside its bat-derived relative RaTG13, scientists identified a critical molecular switch at residue 72 of the Orf9b protein. In humans, this protein binds to Tom70 to bypass immune detection, whereas in bats, it targets MTARC2, which serves as a unique restriction factor that limits viral growth. The study further established a new bat lung cell line, revealing that a single mutation in the viral…
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