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Researchers map vital atomic-scale protein on COVID-19

Posted: 20 February 2020 | | 10 comments

Using cryogenic electron microscopy, a team has mapped the Spike protein on COVID-19, which could be used in the development of vaccines.

COVID-19 coronavirus

Scientists have announced a critical breakthrough in their research for a vaccine to comabt COVID-19 (coronavirus) by creating the first three-dimensional (3D) atomic-scale map of the section of the virus that attaches to and infects human cells. 

Conducted by the University of Texas (UT) at Austin and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), both US, the study has produced a map of the Spike (S) protein, which may allow researchers to design and make vaccines and antiviral drugs. The researchers are also now working on a related viable vaccine candidate stemming from their research.

Coronavirus spike protein

This is a 3D atomic scale map, or molecular structure, of the 2019-nCoV Spike protein. The protein takes on two different shapes, called conformations – one before it infects a host cell and another during infection. This structure represents the protein before it infects a cell, called the prefusion conformation (credit: Jason McLellan/UT at Austin).

The team used cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to make their atomic-scale 3D model. The molecule the team produced – and for which they obtained a structure – represents only the extracellular portion of the S protein, but is enough to elicit an immune response in patients.

Jason McLellan, associate professor at UT Austin who led the research, and his colleagues have spent many years studying other coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. They had already developed methods for locking coronavirus S proteins into a shape that made them easier to analyse and could effectively turn them into candidates for vaccines. This experience gave them an advantage for studying the novel virus.

“As soon as we knew this was a coronavirus, we felt we had to jump at it,” McLellan said, “because we could be one of the first ones to get this structure. We knew exactly what mutations to put into this, because we’ve already shown these mutations work for other coronaviruses.”

Two weeks after receiving a genome sequence of the virus from Chinese researchers, the team designed and produced samples of their stabilised S protein. It took approximately 12 more days to reconstruct the 3D atomic scale map of the S protein and submit a manuscript. 

Next, McLellan’s team plans to use their molecule to attack the virus that causes COVID-19, using it as a ‘probe’ to isolate naturally produced antibodies from patients who have been infected with the virus and successfully recovered. In large enough quantities, these antibodies could help treat a coronavirus infection soon after exposure. 

The study was published in Science.

10 responses to “Researchers map vital atomic-scale protein on COVID-19”

  1. Karl S Junior says:

    Are you disclosing the fact that the 3 sequence insertions in the otherwise exact copy of SARS spike protein are precisely at the binding site with the ACE2 receptor?

  2. Július Rajčáni says:

    This is a brilliant study, hopefully helpful also for solving the practical issues of the highly contagious Coronavirus spread.

  3. It certainly is elucidating to view the 3D structure of COVID; but where can one find the definitive nucleotide sequence of the SPIKE PROTEIN of COVID ? That is requisite for the recombinant production of the SPIKE PROTEIN !
    Dr . Mike Huchital, DYNE IMMUNE INSTITUTE

  4. Save the World says:

    Hi folks, Is there a screening system for Covid-19 to check the activity of small molecule/peptide? OR We have screened using luciferase activity? targeting PLPro or 3CLpro. We could not find a screening system. If you share your views regarding the screening system it will be highly appreciated. Thank you,

  5. Pravin yadaorao patharkarharkar says:

    For breaking glycogen protein and devlop antibodies for protect wbc and immunity brek structure of covid 19

  6. Attachment is in thing, affinity is another. What is the net charge of the structure. Aytipical lymphs, large granular lymphs noted in patients. I’ve been exposed at least 3 or 4 times to this virus starting in November, treatment Choroseptic throat sprAy to prevent discrimination from upper to lower respiratory tract. Phenols

  7. Na2CO3 vs COVID19 says:

    S protein cleavage occurs at two sites within the S2 portion of the protein. Fusion generally occurs within ACIDIFIED endosomes. Can we use a regular sodium carbonate Na2CO3 to for prevention purpose and possibly for some treatment as acid neutralizer agent ?

  8. Kenneth Green says:

    Hi, is there a Dalton mass number for this protein or parts of it? Much appreciated.

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