(ABOVE) ANIMATION OF CORONAVIRUS REPLICATION: ATTACHMENT TO HUMAN CELL VIA ACE2 RECEPTORS, CELL ENTRY, AND RNA RELEASE
Coronavirus particle binds to ACE2 receptors on the surface of a human cell and is engulfed by endocytosis. After membrane fusion, the virus releases its RNA (yellow string) which directs the production of new virus particles. This animation inspired part of my RETRO VIRION book, and a graphic derived from it was used to make the cover.
I've been involved in viral graphics since the mid-80s when I helped to make an early teaching video on AIDS. This latest COVID virus animation was done in 2020.
Coronavirus SARS Replication Painting
BACKGROUND STORY
This digital painting was done in 2003 in the middle of the SARS outbreak. It was one of the only coloured graphics of its kind and became wildly popular. It continues to sell throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It even features in the crosshairs of history.
CORONAVIRUS PARTICLES (VIRIONS) SPREADING
CORONAVIRUS PARTICLES (VIRIONS) ROTATING
ADENOVIRUS PARTICLES (VIRIONS) ROTATING
Adenoviruses (AdV) are large naked viruses with characteristic fibres projecting from each vertex of their icosahedral capsids. Genome is double-stranded DNA. Adenoviruses tend to cause respiratory disease. Also used as vectors and for vaccines, including the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.