As I read it, from my brief look at the data, normally TMPRSS2 is needed to take the virus into lung cells. If you have the variant form of TMPRSS2, you are protected.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20926566/
TMPRSS2 affects the S protein at the cell surface and induces virus-plasma membrane fusion. This is the first report of TMPRSS2 being required in the target cell for activation of a viral fusion protein but not for the S protein synthesized in and transported to the surface of cells. Our findings suggest that the TMPRSS2 expressed in lung tissues may be a determinant of viral tropism and pathogenicity at the initial site of SARS-CoV infection.
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So if you have a TMPRSS2 that is wonky (a variant) you are not as likely to take up the virus in your lung cells.
smileyface wrote:
“As I read it, from my brief look at the data, normally TMPRSS2 is needed to take the virus into lung cells. If you have the variant form of TMPRSS2, you are protected.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20926566/
TMPRSS2 affects the S protein at the cell surface and induces virus-plasma membrane fusion. This is the first report of TMPRSS2 being required in the target cell for activation of a viral fusion protein but not for the S protein synthesized in and transported to the surface of cells. Our findings suggest that the TMPRSS2 expressed in lung tissues may be a determinant of viral tropism and pathogenicity at the initial site of SARS-CoV infection.
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So if you have a TMPRSS2 that is wonky (a variant) you are not as likely to take up the virus in your lung cells.
“
I wonder if there’s a test for the regular type of TMPRSS2.
Issue those folks “Trump pills” (whichever combination of ionophore and antibiotic they can handle).