On Feb. 24, 2020, researchers reported that the spikes crowning the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 atypical pneumonia have divulged how they attach, fuse and gain entry to cells. Analysis of the spike architecture and its mechanics has locating the virus’ vulnerabilities, and revealed other information that could prompt the discovery of countermeasures against this virus.

A research team at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Institute used cryo-electron microscopy and other investigative methods to help determine the structure and function of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its chemical binding affinities as these relate to both infection and immune responses, and thereby obtain ideas for blocking the virus’ ingress to cells.