“Omicron” replicates much more actively at the site of its penetration into the body – the nasal epithelium, in the nasopharynx, in the bronchi, the head of the biotechnology laboratory of the Institute of Virology named after Izvestia told Izvestia. DI. Ivanovsky Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology. honorary academician N.F. Gamaleya of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation Sergey Alkhovsky. At the same time, the titer of the virus in the upper respiratory system is higher, and it reaches values faster when the infected person becomes infectious to other people. This effect is achieved due to the fact that the virus uses an unusual way for other strains to penetrate cells.
“We are talking about the endosomal (endosome – a membrane intracellular organelle – Ed.) way of infecting cells, which is also used by other strains. It’s just that this path is implemented by Omicron more efficiently than others. One gets the impression that the virus can infect a wider range of cells in the epithelium of the upper respiratory tract, so the titer is higher and it replicates more actively, ”said the virologist.
According to the specialist, this does not mean a more severe course of the disease. In general, it can be assumed that Omicron is a step towards seasonal coronaviruses.
Read more in the exclusive Izvestia article:
“Omicron” is not the last strain, we will reach the end of the alphabet”
Source: IZ
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
