Researchers, including the ones of Indian-origin, have solved the structure of a molecule which the novel coronavirus uses to make its genetic sequence look like a part of the host's own, an advance which may cause the development of new antiviral drugs against COVID-19.

The researchers from the The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) from the US said by empowering this alteration, nsp10 protects the virus from host cell immune reaction.

"It's a camouflage. Because of the alterations, which fool the mobile, the consequent viral messenger RNA is currently considered as a member of the mobile's own code and not overseas," said Yogesh Gupta, a co-author of the analysis from UT Health San Antonio.

According to the researchers, deciphering the 3D structure of nsp16 paves the way for the design of new drugs contrary to the publication coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, along with other emerging coronavirus infections.

All these medications, Gupta said can be designed to inhibit nsp16 from making the alterations, so that the host immune system could pounce to the invading virus, recognising it as foreign.

"Yogesh's function found the 3D structure of an essential enzyme of the COVID-19 virus needed for its replication and found a pocket inside which can be targeted to inhibit that enzyme. That is a fundamental advance in our comprehension of the virus," said study coauthor Robert Hromas.

Based on the findings, the investigators have implied structural sites on the SARS-CoV-2 nsp10 molecule which they say can be targeted for antiviral development.