US scientists create first 3D atomic scale map of novel coronavirus’s part

US
scientists have created the first 3D atomic scale map of the part of the novel
coronavirus that attaches to and infects human cells. It is a critical step
toward developing vaccine and treatments.

The team
from the University of Texas at Austin and the National Institutes of Health
(NIH) first studied the genetic code of the virus made publicly available by
Chinese researchers, and used it to develop a stabilized sample of a key part
called the spike protein.

They then imaged the spike protein using cutting-edge technology known as cryogenic electron microscopy, publishing their findings in the journal Science.Their engineered spike protein is itself being tested as a potential vaccine by the NIH.

The team is
sending the map of its molecular structure out to collaborators around the
world so they can improve it by making it provoke a greater immune response.

The model
can also help scientists develop new proteins to bind to different parts of the
spike and prevent it from functioning, to treat those already infected. These
are known as antivirals.