Background

Researchers at the University of York are working on the production and characterisation of COVID-19 virus nucleocapsid assemblies and are now producing the protein which is most abundant in the COVID-19 virus. They expect to have a first purified preparation of the protein available by end of March 2020.

Technology Overview

The University of York Structural Biology Laboratory has mobilised research into viral capsid assembly for production of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 nucleocapsid: the most abundant protein in coronavirus which protects the genome. The full-length protein has been expressed recombinantly in bacteria and purified, for characterisation by electron microscopy and other biophysical and biochemical techniques. Extended oligomeric assemblies have been isolated and visualised by electron microscopy (see header image), which resemble those seen in infectious viruses.

Benefits

The system holds potential for understanding nucleocapsid assembly mechanisms, and can in turn be used to reveal interactions with drug molecules and antibodies. Such studies will potentially aid in the development of new antivirals and testing procedures.

Applications

York Structural Biology Laboratory are also aiming to determine the atomic structure of this protein by cryoEM. As the structure would inform development of potential antivirals, this is another avenue that they would like to explore through potential collaborations with industry.

Opportunity

The University of York are offering to supply the full length and purified protein to industry collaborators under a Material Transfer Agreement.

The University is seeking industry collaborators to whom they can offer access for the development and testing of novel therapeutic and diagnostic uses. The protein could be used, for example, in the development of point-of-care testing.

COVID-19 Virus Nucleocapsid Assembly

IP Status

Seeking