Business Daily Media

Men's Weekly

.

Hong Kong Baptist University-led research unveils cell entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 and therapeutic target for COVID-19

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 20 March 2023 - A study led by scientists from Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has identified a protease called MT1-MMP that is a major host factor behind the infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the human body, which leads to the infection of COVID-19 and multi-organ failure.

By applying a humanised antibody called 3A2 that can inhibit the activity of MT1-MMP, the viral load of infected mice was reduced by almost 90%. The research team also demonstrated that the protease is a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19.

Dr Xavier Wong Hoi-leong, Assistant Professor, and Dr Guo Xuanming, researcher of the Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine, introduce the research findings on the cell entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 and therapeutic target for COVID-19.
Dr Xavier Wong Hoi-leong, Assistant Professor, and Dr Guo Xuanming, researcher of the Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine, introduce the research findings on the cell entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 and therapeutic target for COVID-19.

The research findings have been published in the internationally renowned scientific journal Nature Communications.

ACE2 as a receptor for SARS-CoV-2 cell entry

Vaccination can protect people against COVID-19 and its potential complications, but it is not always effective in individuals with weak immune systems, or against some COVID-19 variants of concern. Thus, the development of a more effective treatment for COVID-19 remains a huge challenge in the post-vaccine era. Understanding the cell entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 is vital to curb the spread of the virus, and it will also aid the search for new COVID-19 treatments.

SARS-CoV-2 requires angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a protein found on the membrane of human cells, as its receptor for cellular entry. Despite the lungs being the major organ affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection, only a small proportion of lung cells express ACE2.

Previous studies found that the infection of organs with low levels of ACE2 expression by SARS-CoV-2 is made possible by a soluble form of ACE2. The soluble ACE2 binds with SARS-CoV-2, carries the virus to cells with low levels of ACE2 expression, and facilitates its entry into the cells.

MT1-MMP mediates cell entry of SARS-CoV-2

A research team led by Dr Xavier Wong Hoi-leong, Assistant Professor of the Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine at HKBU, in collaboration with Dr Yuan Shuofeng, Assistant Professor of the Department of Microbiology at The University of Hong Kong, further studied how the physiological regulation of soluble ACE2 shedding contributes to the aetiology of COVID-19.

The team found that SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to the increased activation of MT1-MMP, a protease crucial for many physiological processes. MT1-MMP mediates the release of soluble ACE2 from ACE2-expressing cells. This soluble ACE2 in turn binds to the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and carries it to the uninfected cells with low levels of ACE2 expression.

Notably, the team demonstrated that the introduction of human-soluble ACE2 enables SARS-CoV-2 to infect the lungs of a laboratory mouse strain (C57BL/6 mice) that is naturally insusceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to the incompatibility of its mouse ACE2 and the viral spike proteins. The findings unveil the mechanism by which the virus hijacks host enzymes to enhance its infectivity, triggering multi-organ infections.

Antibody 3A2 blocks MT1-MMP activity

To study MT1-MMP's functions and how it affects viral infection, the researchers used human cells to create organoids, a 3D tissue structure grown in vitro to resemble and model different organs in the laboratory.

They discovered that blocking MT1-MMP activity with the monoclonal antibody 3A2 effectively depleted soluble ACE2 levels and reduced the degree of infection of SARS-CoV-2 in human lung, heart and liver organoids by 60-80%. Consistent results were obtained using the original strain of SARS-CoV-2, as well as variants of concern, such as Delta and Omicron. The results demonstrate that MT1-MMP is a major host factor that mediates the cell entry of SARS-CoV-2, and that it is also a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19 drugs.

The researchers further tested the effects of applying 3A2 in a mouse COVID-19 model. A group of 11 mice were treated with either 3A2 or vehicle controls. Older mice were used in the experiment as old age is a major risk factor for severe symptoms and mortality for COVID-19. The results show that 3A2 reduced the viral load of SARS-CoV-2 by almost 90% and dramatically alleviated lung tissue damage resulting from infection.

MT1-MMP as a therapeutic target

Dr Wong said: "Two major challenges when it comes to developing COVID-19 drugs are how to enhance treatment results for patients with weakened immune systems, and how to maintain the drugs' effectiveness across different viral strains. 3A2 has good potential to become an effective drug for curing COVID-19 because it antagonises the activity of MT1-MMP, instead of boosting the immunity of patients or acting directly on the virus.

"Our previous studies have demonstrated that 3A2 also offers protection against obesity and diabetes, two major risk factors for severe symptoms and mortality for COVID-19. Therefore, 3A2 could be particularly suitable for high-risk groups, including older adults and people with metabolic disorders. It could also be effective against emerging coronaviruses in the future, because ACE2 is a doorway for many such viruses with similar cell entry mechanisms. Further research and experiments on 3A2 are required before it can be applied in humans."

Hashtag: #HKBU

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

News from Asia

Chen Zhi Climate Action Challenge Partners with Royal University of Agriculture to Drive Youth-Led Climate Solutions

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 October 2025 - The Chen Zhi Climate Action Challenge, an initiative by philanthropist Neak Oknha Chen Zhi, has partnered with the Royal Univer...

MetaMask Expands Into Trading With Perpetual Futures and Rewards, Confirming Token Plans

MetaMask confirms token plans and announces exclusive Polymarket integration, bringing Prediction Markets to users later this year as part of its transformation into a global trading and investment...

Jiashi, the County with a Touch of Sweetness

JIASHI, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 October 2025 - China Prune Industry Conference 2025 and the 10th Kashgar·Jiashi Prune Expo, Xinjiang kicked off On August in Jiashi County, Xinjiang Uyg...

Lee Kum Kee Global Culinary Immersion Programme Debuts in Bhutan

Collaboration with Bhutan’s National De-suung Skilling Programme for Youth Empowerment THIMPHU, BHUTAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 October 2025 - Lee Kum Kee Sauce ("Lee Kum Kee"), the global l...

Results of the ixCrypto Index Series Quarterly Review (2025 Q3)

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 October 2025 - Today, IX Asia Indexes announced the 2025 3rd quarter review of the ixCrypto Index Series. The constituent changes will be implemented o...

Relax, Refresh, and Recharge at Amari Bangsaen – a New Coastal Escape Just Outside Bangkok

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 October 2025 - Amari Bangsaen, the newly launched hotel by ONYX Hospitality Group—a leading hospitality company in Southeast Asia managing hotels...

NHG Health and DFI Retail Group Collaborate to Empower Holistic Wellness in Asia

Start of a long-term partnership to explore clinically relevant solutions HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 October 2025 - NHG Health and DFI Retail Group, a leading Asian retailer...

Dusit Thani Bangkok earns coveted Michelin Key, reaffirming its place among the world’s finest hotels

One year after reopening, the reimagined flagship continues to set benchmarks for luxury and gracious Thai-inspired hospitality worldwide, joined by Dusit Thani Kyoto, which has earned a Michelin K...

SJM To Present Premier Travel Experiences at "Experience Macao Mega Sale" in Malaysia

MACAU SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 October 2025 - Organised by the Macao Government Tourism Office ("MGTO"), the "Experience Macao Mega Sale" in Malaysia will be held in Kuala Lumpur, with SJ...

IUCN and APRIL launch five-year collaboration to advance conservation science in Indonesia and beyond

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 10 October 2025 - The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and APRIL Group, a member of the RGE group of companies, today announced a fi...

Qantas to Serve Nan’s Davidson Plum Cookie

Lake Macquarie, NSW (Awabakal Country): From a single mother’s kitchen bench to supermarket shelves, Wiradjuri entrepreneur Terri-Ann “Tezzi” Dani...

Minns Labor Government shutting down the Business Connect program

The NSW Opposition is concerned that the Labor government will shut down a support program that has assisted New South Wales businesses. In a media ...

Samsara Eco appoints Dr. Lars Kissau as General Manager for Asia

Australian biotech innovator Samsara Eco has announced the appointment of Dr Lars Kissau as its first General Manager of Asia. Based in Singapore...

From the first bounce to the final siren - small business lessons from the AFL Grand Final

The AFL Grand Final is one of the most anticipated days on the sporting calendar. This Saturday, the Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions will battle i...

Australia’s top finance leaders recognised as CFO role expands

Amid surging regulatory demands and rapidly evolving industry, Australia’s most influential Chief Financial Officers will be honoured at the inaug...

Why outdated security leaves small businesses exposed to crime

Small and medium businesses in Australia are under increasing pressure to address security gaps that criminals readily exploit. An unlocked door, an...