COVID-19 “Zombie” Viral Fragments Could Help Explain Why Some Infections Are More Severe | Weather.com

Representational Image (IANS)When the COVID-19 pandemic started, it caused fear and confusion. While some had mild symptoms, others ended up in the hospital. This behavior is also seen in other coronaviruses, such as SARS and MERS, which can cause serious illness, and the many others that result in the common cold. A new AI study has revealed a possible explanation for this difference, related to “zombie” virus fragments.

Zombie viruses are remnants of a virus that resemble human immune system molecules. A UCLA study used AI to track how SARS-CoV-2 breaks down in the body and found that the broken virus bits look like human immune molecules. These fragments trick the body into overreacting, causing the excessive inflammation seen in severe cases. These unique fragments are only found in SARS-CoV-2 and not in its harmless cousin, the common cold-causing virus. It is believed that these fragments might contribute to the varying severity of COVID-19, explaining why some people barely notice the virus while others face life-threatening situations.

The study also highlights individual differences in enzyme efficiency as a factor in illness severity. Some individuals can efficiently break down foreign particles, while others struggle, leaving harmful fragments to wreak havoc. While this study is a significant development, there is still much to learn about the specific actions of these “zombie” fragments. Can the enzymes responsible for creating them be targeted to develop new COVID-19 treatments and treatments for other diseases? Further research is needed to find answers.

This research provides insight into the different reactions to COVID-19 and opens up possibilities for treatments targeting these “zombie” fragments to prevent harm. For weather, science, space, and COVID-19 updates, download The Weather Channel App (on Android and iOS store). It’s free!

Author: OpenAI