Unique binding to corona spike protein

After a corona infection, our bodies produce a variety of different antibodies to neutralize the corona virus. Within that broad variety, each antibody appears to bind in their own unique way to the SARS-CoV-2 spike. This was discovered by a research team led by Albert Heck at Utrecht University, together with colleagues at Amsterdam UMC and the Scripps Research Institute. The group published their results in ACS Central Science, which selected the paper as its cover article.

Coronaviruses are characterized by so-called spike proteins, located at the exterior of the virus. These proteins allow the virus to attach to cells, enabling it to spread further. Our immune system recognizes spike proteins. It produces antibodies that bind to the spike proteins, preventing the virus from attacking us.