The University of Washington’s Institute for Protein Design mapped out3D atomic-scale models of the SARS-CoV-2 spike proteinthat mirror those first discovered in a University of Texas Austin lab. The team is now working to create new proteins to neutralize the coronavirus, according toDavid Bak...
Since November 2021, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron has spread expeditiously all over the world and gradually superseded the previous attention-capturing the SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs). The Omicron variant harbors more than 30 mutations in the spike protein, leading to immune evasion from man...
Researchers discovered a new antibody (light blue) that neutralizes the COVID-19 virus, by binding to the virus’s spike protein (grey) and locking it in a closed conformation. Credit: Christopher Barnes, California Institute of Technology A study of antibody-producing B cells from patients who...
“It is important to get a more comprehensive picture of the many mutations seen in Omicron, especially in the context of the spike protein, given that the spike protein is vital for the virus’s function, and all the major vaccines are based on that protein,” he says. “Th...
Antibodies, small proteins produced by the immune system, can attach to specific parts of avirusto neutralize it. As scientists continue to battleSARS-CoV-2, thevirus that causesCOVID-19, one possible weapon is a synthetic antibody that binds with the virus’ spike prot...
The receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is a candidate vaccine antigen that binds angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2), leading to virus entry. Here, it is shown that rapid conversion of recombinant RBD into particulate form via admixing with liposomes containing ...
These new variants are a result of the accumulation of mutations in the sequence and structure of spike (S) glycoprotein, which is by far the most critical protein for SARS-CoV-2 to recognize cells and escape the immune system, in addition to playing a role in SARS-CoV-2 infection, ...
Current COVID-19 vaccines are based on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, which the virus uses to bind to and infect host cells, of the original Wuhan-hu-1. But the emerging “variants of concern”—deemed so because they appear to be more transmissible or deadlier than the wild-type SARS-...
the researchers found that the virus spike protein directly binds to fibrin, causing structurally abnormal blood clots with enhanced inflammatory activity. The team leveraged genetic tools to create a specific mutation that blocks only the inflammatory properties of fibrin without affecting the protein's...
To answer this question, we need to understand a bit about how immunity to SARS-CoV-2 (thevirusthat causes COVID) works. After being infected or vaccinated, theimmune systemdevelops specific antibodies that can neutralize SARS-CoV-2. B cells remember the virus for a period of time. In add...