Endothelial Cell Tropism
Endothelial cell tropism refers to the ability of certain viruses or pathogens to infect and multiply within endothelial cells, which are a type of cell that lines the walls of blood vessels.
Think of blood vessels like lanes on a highway. The endothelial cells are like the walls that form the barrier between the lane and the surrounding environment. Certain viruses or pathogens, like the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 or the dengue virus, are able to penetrate through these walls and infect the endothelial cells.
Once inside the endothelial cells, the virus or pathogen can start to multiply and spread throughout the body. This can cause damage to the blood vessels and lead to complications such as inflammation, clotting, or leaking.
Scientists are still studying how and why certain viruses or pathogens are able to target endothelial cells specifically, but it is believed to be related to the unique molecular markers on the surface of these cells. By understanding how endothelial cell tropism works, researchers can develop better treatments or vaccines to target these infections and prevent the damaging effects on blood vessels.
Think of blood vessels like lanes on a highway. The endothelial cells are like the walls that form the barrier between the lane and the surrounding environment. Certain viruses or pathogens, like the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 or the dengue virus, are able to penetrate through these walls and infect the endothelial cells.
Once inside the endothelial cells, the virus or pathogen can start to multiply and spread throughout the body. This can cause damage to the blood vessels and lead to complications such as inflammation, clotting, or leaking.
Scientists are still studying how and why certain viruses or pathogens are able to target endothelial cells specifically, but it is believed to be related to the unique molecular markers on the surface of these cells. By understanding how endothelial cell tropism works, researchers can develop better treatments or vaccines to target these infections and prevent the damaging effects on blood vessels.