Jason McLellan, PhD, Associate Professor, Dept. of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, "Structure-based Design of Prefusion-stabilized SARS-CoV-2 Spikes"
Dr. McLellan reported the results of his efforts to produce a protein similar to the CoV S-2P spike protein to be used in research and as a possible vaccine with for these purpose enhanced properties. His work focused on the five substitute types salt bridges, prolines, disulfides, cavity filling and hydration bonds. Both single substitutes as well as pure and mixed multi-substitutes were examined, leading to a way more improved protein with very similar properties. Additionally it shows similar properties as in CoV-1, which sparks the hope of a universal Corona vaccine.
