Home » News » Atom-accurate 3D representation: docking point of corona virus analyzed

Atom-accurate 3D representation: docking point of corona virus analyzed

Even if the number of new infections with the new corona virus is already falling again, intensive research is continuing. An effective drug and vaccine against Sars-CoV-2 should be found as soon as possible. A specific point in the virus is examined for this.

In order to fight a virus effectively, scientists need to know its characteristics. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have therefore begun to reconstruct the appearance of Sars-CoV-2, the name of the new coronavirus virus. Above all, the point at which the virus docks onto the cell is to be mapped in atomic 3D mapping. The team around Jason McLellan succeeded in doing this with the help of a cryogenic electron microscope and within a short time. Using their images, researchers can now better understand how Sars-CoV-2 behaves while infecting a cell. Their results were published in the scientific journal Science and on the university website.

The researchers state that they already know from their previous studies with Sars and Mers viruses that a certain protein also plays a key role in the fight against Sars-CoV-2. The protein called ACE2 receptor is also called spike protein. The researchers primarily looked at this part of the virus in their studies because “… it is a key target for the urgently needed vaccines and therapeutic antibodies …”, explains Daniel Wrapp, who was instrumental in the study.

Latest technology in use

The use of a cryogenic electron microscope (cryo-EM) was decisive for the published findings. The use of this technology enables researchers to create 3D models of cell structures, molecules and viruses on an atomic scale. McLellan and colleagues finally observed that the spike protein of the new coronavirus changes its conformation, i.e. the spatial arrangement of the atoms, when docked to the cell. At this point, it practically opens up, giving it a suitable shape so that it can penetrate the cell.

Because of this flexibility, it was difficult for the researchers to accurately represent and analyze the area of ​​the cell. For this reason, the researchers inserted a mutation in the virus. They aimed precisely at the genetic building instructions for the spike protein in the cell. “We knew exactly which mutations we had to use because we had already tried many other corona viruses,” McLellan explains. In fact, the spike protein could be stabilized and displayed with the cryogenic EM in both the inactive and the binding phase.

No reaction to old antibodies

The images indicate that Sars-CoV-2 has the same docking mechanisms as other corona viruses. However, the new corona virus binds to the human cell ten to twenty times more successfully. It is possible that the virus has changed through mutations in such a way that it is better adapted to the human cell. That could also be the reason why it spreads so quickly from person to person. In addition, there is the finding that the docking point of the new corona virus does not respond to existing antibodies that have been successfully used in Sars-CoV and Mers-CoV. Trying to use these old antibodies in the current epidemic would therefore most likely be pointless.

With this knowledge, the researchers want to run on two tracks. They are planning to develop a vaccine against the virus that causes Covid-19. In addition, they are pursuing a further attack strategy with naturally produced antibodies from patients. These are to be isolated and successfully restored in the laboratory. This could be an effective tool for people who are already infected with Sars-CoV-2 or who need to be sent to areas with high infection rates.

– ,

1 thought on “Atom-accurate 3D representation: docking point of corona virus analyzed”

  1. Is Ammonia/ammonium suppressing the glycan head of corona virus it a similar size and maybe able via moisture to neutralise the sugar coating each day .The virus cannot gain any strength until it leaves bats this is why bats coexist with the virus when bats are killed the Chinese are using disinfectant to kill the virus on slaughter at this stage the virus isn’t harmful it’s glycan head needs activating the virus needs a (human )host this person needs low levels of ammonia in there body and a high sugar diet this person would be rare in wet markets . The virus needs to be activated in the first instance by an individual who has a very high sugar content . The first infected person could be a key to understanding the virus if you can identify them . The virus is suppressed by ammonia and and activated by sugar . And can be Re suppressed by ammonia. We also need to look at AC2 protein is it being suppressed by ammonia/ammonium in humans is this why babies children young people and asymptomatics are protected there AC2 port is blocked so young people will weaken the virus with there natural ammonia levels however they can still pass it on where it can regain strength in the weak who have no ammonia to suppress it . Do black people and Asians have different levels of natural levels of ammonia in the bodies this would make them more susceptible to the disease .Test test test comes to mind here I have given you the keys try the lock it may not fit .

    Reply

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.