The simulation provides an explanation for SARS-CoV-2 virulence and a potential roadmap for developing tools to disable the virus and future mutated versions. The simulations showed that the spike protein has evolved to be a near perfect fit for the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. The precise fit is what ensures that the virus can almost always successfully infect target cells in the human respiratory tract. The simulations also showed the precise shape of the receptor-binding domain region of the spike protein.

The simulations modeled interactions between the spike protein and the receptor for 2 msec. This provided scientists with a view that is approximately 10,000 times longer than most previous simulations. The researchers established a roadmap for the creation of molecules that mimic ACE2 in the body. The simulations also provided key information that can be used to create therapies that change the shape of the receptor-binding domain region to block binding to the receptor.

Microsoft and NantWorks provided the computing resources for the simulation, which provided detailed views of the most likely conformation of the spike protein. The manuscript and a video detailing the findings of the ImmunityBio molecular dynamic simulation studies were published on bioRxiv and is concurrently undergoing scientific peer-review for publication.

ImmunityBio, NantKWest to merge
ImmunityBio and NantKWest have entered into an agreement to merge in a stock-for-stock transaction. The combination will create a new immunotherapy and...

ImmunityBio COVID-19 oral vaccine effective in nonhuman primates
ImmunityBio's COVID-19 vaccine candidate has been shown to protect nasal and lung airways of nonhuman primates against SARS-CoV-2 in preclinical studies.

ImmunityBio touts preclinical data on NK cell therapy boosting product
ImmunityBio has released preclinical data demonstrating that its lead cytokine infusion protein, Anktiva, an interleukin-15 "superagonist," improves interferon-gamma...

ImmunityBio COVID-19 vaccine shows positive clinical results
ImmunityBio has demonstrated that antigens from its bivalent adenovirus-based vaccine candidate are recognized by SARS-CoV-2 reactive human T cells in...

ImmunityBio, NantKwest launch COVID-19 vaccine trial
ImmunityBio and NantKwest have launched phase I of a clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine candidate.