"Identifying the COVID-19 Protein Partner in Transmission"
Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified the occludin protein as a key player in the transmission of COVID-19 from cell to cell. When the occludin protein is compromised by the virus, it facilitates rapid virus replication and spread to neighboring cells, potentially worsening the infection and symptoms. This discovery provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of disease progression and could aid in the development of antiviral drugs targeting the occludin protein.