through so-called spike proteins.

The spike protein is the major surface protein

that binds to a receptor,

which acts like a doorway into a human cell.

Once the spike protein

and the surface of the human cell membrane fuse together,

the genome of the virus is able to enter the human cell

and begin infection.

Understanding the shape of the spike protein in COVID-19

is the key to figuring out how to target the virus

and accelerate potential vaccines.

Jason McLellan and his team at University of Texas at Austin

in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health

are credited with this important step,

which may help in the development of a vaccine

against the coronavirus.

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