Scientists at the University of Washington have created protein compounds that protect human cells from infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The results are reported in an article published in Science.
The researchers used computer simulations to determine the structure of molecules capable of blocking the coronavirus S-proteins (spike proteins) that attach to cellular ACE2 receptors and allow the virus to enter the cell. About two million candidate compounds were obtained, and 118 thousand of them were produced from scratch in the laboratory and tested in human cell culture.
One of the proteins – LCB1 – was the most effective agent against the pathogen in its protective actions and was six times superior to the most famous neutralizing antibodies SARS-CoV-2. However, the new protein molecules are more stable and much easier to produce.
The ability of artificial proteins to bind to the spike protein of the coronavirus was tested using cryoelectron microscopy. Both molecules formed stable complexes, indicating the potential utility of LCB1 in the fight against COVID-19. Scientists have now begun testing LCB1 in rodents.
