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Title: RCSB Protein Data Bank resources for structure-facilitated design of mRNA vaccines for existing and emerging viral pathogens

Journal Article · · Structure

Structural biologists provide direct insights into the molecular bases of human health and disease. The open-access Protein Data Bank (PDB) stores and delivers three-dimensional (3D) biostructure data that facilitate discovery and development of therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools. We are in the midst of a revolution in vaccinology. Non-infectious mRNA vaccines have been proven during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This new technology underpins nimble discovery and clinical development platforms that use knowledge of 3D viral protein structures for societal benefit. The RCSB PDB supports vaccine designers through expert biocuration and rigorous validation of 3D structures; open-access dissemination of structure information; and search, visualization, and analysis tools for structure-guided design efforts. Herein this resource article examines the structural biology underpinning the success of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccines and enumerates some of the many protein structures in the PDB archive that could guide design of new countermeasures against existing and emerging viral pathogens.

Research Organization:
Rutgers Univ., Piscataway, NJ (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC); National Science Foundation (NSF); National Cancer Institute (NCI); National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0019749; DBI-1832184; R01GM133198
OSTI ID:
1908264
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1839112; OSTI ID: 1977674
Journal Information:
Structure, Journal Name: Structure Vol. 30 Journal Issue: 1; ISSN 0969-2126
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English

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