Christine Houghton PhD, BSc.,R.Nutr.
INTRODUCTION: Finding ourselves amidst a global pandemic resulting from a microscopic virus evokes understandable anxiety. The purpose of this article is to broadly contextualize the biochemical effects of SARS-COV-2 by outlining some of the mechanisms human cells use to defend themselves against such infectious organisms.
The intricacies and capability of these mechanisms in a viable human immune system are such that they may completely prevent a virus from entering human cells. Should the virus gain entry to infect the host’s cells, endogenous mechanisms exist to minimize potential adverse effects. Such mechanisms represent a resource of largely untapped therapeutic targets.
