Structure-based vaccine design allows the development of novel immunogens that can target the induction and development of specific antibodies targeted to neutralization-sensitive supersites.
Since January 10, 2020—the day scientists published the genetic sequence of a novel coronavirus, the EIDB's Structural Biology Laboratory (SBL), led by Dr. Gordon Joyce, has been working diligently to advance research efforts to prevent and treat COVID-19.
The SBL has been working around the clock to understand and document the structural biology of this novel disease. The team successfully produced the most detailed atomic level view of the structure of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain— the part of the virus that binds to the lungs. This detailed understanding of the structure has been critical to vaccine discovery and development efforts.
Joyce and the WRAIR team developed multiple vaccine prototypes to prevent COVID-19, and they are working on a broader vaccine to encompass all known coronoviruses.
