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SARS-CoV-2 mutation(s) estimator
Description
The current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2),
represents a significant health threat resulting in over 1.1 million deaths globally (www.worldometers.info/coronavirus) and significant economic damage.
There is a consensus that development of an effective and safe vaccine represents the best strategy to control COVID-19 pandemic, and consequently,
this endeavor remains a top public health priority. Researchers and drug companies around the world are working hard to develop a COVID-19 vaccine and
currently 282 vaccine candidates are in clinical trials or will enter clinical investigation soon (clinicaltrials.gov). The spike glycoprotein (SP) of
SARS-CoV-2 is the principal target for most these vaccine candidates. Despite the presence of a CoV proof-reading function in viral replication,
SARS-CoV still extensively mutates, which might have an impact on curreht and future vaccine development. In the GISAID database more than 1,600 SARS-CoV-2
strains with unique combinations of mutations in SP are deposited. In order to fully understand the impact of the mutations on the SP properties
(pathogenesis, virulence, transmissibility, immunogenicity), advanced laboratory studies are required. These investigations take time and are done in
close collaboration between different research groups, institutions and academia. However, some important information about the biological effects of
mutations could and should also be obtained by the in silico analysis of SP, which can be performed fast and with a minimal experimental foreknowledge at the time of analysis.
Goals
Develop a platform based on electronic biology that allows rapid and accurate real-time assessment of the biological
effect of mutations in SP of SARS-CoV-2 that are important for development of vaccines, therapy and diagnostics for COVID-19 disease.
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