How the Wuhan coronavirus attacks lung cells

1 Coronaviruses use protein spikes to attack cells

Coronavirus

Spike protein

ACE-2 receptor

in cell wall

Lung

tissue cell

Cell wall

2 Coronavirus latches on to ACE-2 and infects the cell

1 Coronaviruses use protein spikes to attack cells

Coronavirus

Spike protein

ACE-2 receptor in cell wall

Lung

tissue cell

Cell wall

2 Coronavirus latches on to ACE-2 and infects the cell

Guardian graphic