Researchers from Hiroshima have discovered why smokers are less likely to get COVID-19, reports RTL News.

Researchers have found that toxic PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which is part of cigarette smoke, can prevent the virus from entering body cells. PAHs suppress the formation of another molecule. This molecule in turn prevents the formation of ACE-2 receptors in the cells. These are practically the gateway into the cells for the coronavirus, but without these receptors it cannot succeed.
Based on the findings, which were published in Scientific Reports, the team is now proceeding with pre-clinical and clinical trials on the drugs as a novel anti-COVID-19 therapy.