COVID infection in 4 steps: Thermodynamic considerations reveal how viral mucosal diffusion, target receptor affinity and furin cleavage act in concert to drive the nature and degree of infection in human COVID-19 disease

Has the human biological interaction with SARS‐CoV2 variants entered a pliant “Faustian bargain”?

“…We have highlighted recently 1 the importance of the affinity of SARS‐CoV2 for its target the Angtiontensin II (ACEII) receptor, and in fundamental thermodynamic terms, this affinity is linked to the passage of the virus from the airway and its subsequent diffusion across the mucosa. This relationship of infectivity and pathophysiology in the upper airway is key to understanding the morbidity and mortality of this pandemic.…”