The anatomy of a typical corona virus could look something like the illustration at the right. The virus cell wall (blue color) is a lipid bilayer enveloping the nucleocapsid protein and RNA genome -- the virus' genetic material. There are structures 'stuck' into and through the lipid cell wall, including Spike Proteins (pink pin-like structures) and a large number of membrane proteins.
Most important for viral transmission is the Haemagglutinin Glycoprotein Complex (HA).
Viruses have an intricate combination of proteins and other structures embedded in their outer wall. One of these is called the Haemagglutinin Glycoprotein Complex (HA Complex).
The HA Complex consists of several proteins which work in concert to effect host cell wall binding and transfer of viral genetic material to this new host. While there are many intricate and complex interactions within this complex, most important are the HA1 and HA2 proteins.
A properly functioning Haemagglutinin glycoprotein complex enables viral/host attachment.
Importantly, pH changes induce a conformational change of HA2, preparing this glycoprotein for host cell wall attachment.
Without this preparatory step, the HA complex is not able to position itself for viral transfer of genetic material to a proximal host cell.
Pure Australian Tea Tree Oil's anti-viral function, as reported by two separate research teams (Li and Garozzo), acts upon the HA Complex.
