‘Possible Achilles heel’ in the coronavirus

Scripps Research and their COVID-19 study can be found at covid-19survivorstudy@scripps.edu.In summary, researchers at Scripps Institute and The University of Hong Kong have identified an antibody target on SARS-CoV-2, similar to the one on SARS-CoV. They are seeking recovered COVID-19 patients to volunteer blood for antibody screening, as well as utilizing Folding@Home to study protein structures. More information can be found at covid-19survivorstudy@scripps.edu.
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Tom.G
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The folks at Scripps Institute and at The University of Hong Kong have found an antibody target on SARS-CoV-2 similar to the one on SARS-CoV (the 2002 SARS outbreak). They are looking for recovered COVID-19 volunteers, see bottom of this post or the San Diego Union article.

The full article in Science magazine is here:
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/early/2020/04/02/science.abb7269.full
(published under Creative Commons License so you can republish freely provided the original work is properly cited)

There is an overview, general public, article here:
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.co...s-research-find-evidence-of-an-anchilles-heel

That San Diego Union article states that researchers are looking for recovered victims of COVID-19 to volunteer blood for antibody screening.
People who wish to participate should contact Scripps Research directly at covid-19survivorstudy@scripps.edu.

Cheers,
Tom
 
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They also have some work packages for Folding@Home studying protein structures. That's a way to support their work (and broader medical work) with idle computer power.

Edit: I got one of the COVID-19 work packages ("14613 through 14628 - FEP screening of protease inhibitors in complex (AGG_RL)")

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Last edited:

1. What is the "Possible Achilles heel" in the coronavirus?

The "Possible Achilles heel" in the coronavirus refers to a potential weakness in the virus that could be targeted for treatment or prevention.

2. How was this potential weakness discovered?

Scientists discovered the "Possible Achilles heel" by analyzing the genetic sequence of the coronavirus and comparing it to other known viruses.

3. What makes this potential weakness significant?

This potential weakness is significant because it could potentially lead to the development of effective treatments or vaccines for the coronavirus.

4. What is the potential impact of targeting this weakness?

If this potential weakness can be effectively targeted, it could potentially reduce the severity and spread of the coronavirus, ultimately saving lives.

5. Is there any guarantee that targeting this weakness will be successful?

While there is no guarantee that targeting this potential weakness will be successful, it is a promising avenue for research and has shown promising results in laboratory studies.

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