Evaluate the structures of human antibody-Spike complexes by crystallography and cryo-EM

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March 30, 2020 - December 31, 2020

Project contact: David Bulkley

PI: David Bulkley

Funding: NIH/HHMI

Public Summary

Our lab is working to understand how a range of human-derived antibodies interact with the COVID-19 spike protein. Some of these antibodies are extremely effective at neutralizing the virus, and in fact one is already in clinical trials. Using cryo electron microscopy, we have been able to generate 3-D maps of these antibodies in complex with the COVID-19 spike protein at neat-atomic resolution. Our efforts are giving us an atomic-level view of exactly why some antibodies are able to neutralize the virus and others are not. This will guide future efforts to generate therapeutics that target and neutralize the virus.

Type of Research: Basic Science study

Topics: Antibody, Diagnostics, Antibody Detection, Immunology, Host Response, Vaccines, Virology, Viral Interactome, Viral Proteins