Filopodia protrusions extend from the surface of a cultured monkey cell to enable budding of viral particles (circular spheres) and infection of nearby cells.
ELIZABETH FISCHER, NIAID/NIH
When SARS-CoV-2 infects cultured monkey cells, it co-opts numerous host proteins, changing their function through chemical tags known as phosphate groups, a study finds. Among the effects, the study authors report this week (June 28) in Cell, is that a cell protein called CK2 spurs the growth of tentacle-like protrusions known as filopodia. These filopodia contain viral particles and are likely used to poke holes in nearby cells, spreading SARS-CoV-2 to them, according to a university press release.
A pair of human colon cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 produce filopodia (white) containing viral particles.
ROBERT GROSSE, CIBSS, UNIVERSITY OF FREIBURG
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