Coronavirus-infected cells sprout filaments that may spread the virus
Like a scene out of a sci-fi movie, cells invaded by the coronavirus can sprout probing appendages bedecked with viral bits. Human cells infected with SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, formed more numerous and longer extremities, called filopodia, than uninfected cells, researchers report online June 28 in Cell. High-resolution electron microscopy confirmed the presence of these filopodia in infected monkey cells and captured SARS-CoV-2 viral particles budding from the projections. These protrusions may have unexplored roles in spreading the virus, and could serve as targets for future antiviral therapies. Sign up for e-mail updates on the latest coronavirus news and research Similar spindly projections are found on some healthy cells, where the structures serve different roles. Repair cells, for example, send out filopodia to detect chemical cues to navigate to wound sites. Other viruses, including the coronavirus behind the SARS epidemic, also can cause cells to sprout filopodia. Some viruses, such as Marburg...