University of Washington researchers are studying the RshTT200 bat virus, which has pandemic potential such as SARS-CoV-2. Results of the study representation At the annual meeting of the American Crystallographic Society.
The COVID-19 pandemic emerged when the SARS-CoV-2 virus mutated and infects humans. Studying such pathogens will help prepare for the next pandemic and minimize its danger.
Discovered in 2010 in Cambodian bats, the RshTT200 virus shares 92.6% of its genomic sequence with SARS-CoV-2, and 85% of the spike protein (S-protein), which is responsible for the virus’ entry into human cells. Same with % for COVID-19.
Currently, several factors prevent infection of human cells with the RshTT200 virus. The spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and RshTT200 match by 85%, but this difference of 15% is sufficient to reduce the likelihood of the latter infecting humans.
The authors identified a single nucleotide mutation that was sufficient to allow RshTT200 to enter human cells. To do this, the scientists used cryoelectron microscopy to determine the structure of the spike protein. They then created harmless viruses expressing the RshTT200 S proteins. This was necessary to understand how the virus got into human cells.
“The most promising result of the study was that we were able to identify antibodies that can neutralize RshTT200. In the event of an epidemic, we will already know how to stabilize the spike protein for vaccine development,” the authors said.
Previously, we had information about the meningococcal epidemic in Russia. For more information on how the virus is transmitted, whether Russians are immune, and whether it’s worth getting vaccinated, see. material “socialbites.ca”.