The New Coronavirus Vaccine Development, Alpacas Help!

According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation website reported on August 13, in the new coronavirus vaccine development competition, scientists discovered an unexpected source of inspiration -- alpaca.

At the core of the Australian new coronavirus epidemic in Melbourne, researchers and scientists are studying a rare immunity in alpacas. Like other camelids, alpacas can produce two antibodies. Michael James, senior chief scientist of the Australian Synchrotron Radiation Center, said that the unusual immune response of alpacas has long been used to study other viruses around the world, such as HIV.

James said, 'Alpacas and similar animals can actually produce two different types of antibodies. One is similar to what we (human) produce, but these animals can also produce so-called 'nanobodies'.' He said, 'Researchers are studying whether we can use this type of nanobody to defend against the new coronavirus.'

Antibody Mechanism of Action

At a research facility in Gippsland, Australia, researchers at the Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research injected alpaca with a small protein of the new coronavirus to make the alpaca produce a nanobody response.

Dr. James said, 'We have all seen pictures of the new coronavirus. The surface is spiky-shaped. This is called the viral spike protein, which can help the virus infect human cells.'

'Therefore, they extracted antibodies from the blood of alpaca and processed the nanobodies. They also isolated the new coronavirus and combined the antibodies with the viral spike protein."

The researchers then collaborated with scientists at the Australian Synchrotron Radiation Center in Melbourne to study spike proteins at the atomic level.

Dr. James hopes that this research will help people better understand how to prevent the new coronavirus.

He explained, 'If the human cell is a lock, the viral spike protein is the key. The virus uses the spike protein to open the door to human cells and infect human cells.'

He said. 'Nanobodies in the alpaca can be roughly understood as resin glue, which can block the keyhole, the key cannot open the lock, and the virus cannot enter human cells.'

Looking For Vaccine During Epidemic

The Australian Synchrotron Radiation Center, located in southeast Melbourne, is a technology and innovation center. It is currently in the fourth phase of the lockdown, with 90% of its staff working remotely.

Dr. James said, 'Our facility at the Australian Synchrotron Radiation Center is basically closed, but we can continue to operate the facility in order to conduct research on the new coronavirus."

He said, 'Most of our staff work from home, but we have a dedicated team that continues to operate the research facility on site so that researchers can come and work here.'

Despite the challenges posed by the lockdown, Dr. James said they are happy to help control the number of cases.

He said, 'It feels great to be able to help, but at the same time I have to stay at home and not affect others.'