Some COVID-19 Patients Suffered Heart Damage, an Overlooked Coronavirus Protein May Explain Why
Discover how the inconspicuous nucleocapsid protein from coronaviruses can trigger hyperinflammation, an effect not typically seen in other viruses.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, scientists initially concentrated on creating vaccines targeting the virus's surface spike protein. However, researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have discovered that another virus protein, called the nucleocapsid protein, may play a significant role in severe cases of COVID-19.
This protein, which was previously unrecognized, appears to hyperactivate the immune system, leading to inflammation and potential damage to blood vessels, including those in the heart.
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