The newly identified coronavirus, known initially as 2019-nCoV, and now as SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), is a member of the Betacoronavirus genus, and is closely related to SARS CoV and MERS CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus). It is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA virus, known to cause the disease COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019). Like all coronaviruses, it is zoonotic, meaning it is transmitted between animals and people, yet the animal in question is still unknown.
The recent outbreak of COVID-19, in Wuhan, China, and rapid spread to other parts of the world has intensified global research efforts to develop an effective vaccine. In response to this demand, both The Native Antigen Company and Sino Biological have developed novel antigens to help researchers achieve this goal.
As ZAGENO partners, both companies have already made their full catalogs of SARS-CoV-2 products available for purchase on the ZAGENO marketplace.
SARS-CoV-2 Products on ZAGENO
The Native Antigen Company offers two recombinant glycoproteins: S1 (Spike1) and S2. Both antigens were produced using their very own VirtuE expression system for full glycosylation and proper protein folding.
Sino Biological has developed a panel of recombinant antigens, including the N (nucleocapsid) protein, S (spike) protein, the S1 and S2 subunits of the S protein and the RBD domain of the S protein. Additionally, they have produced antibodies that recognize the S and N proteins.
- N Protein, available here.
- S Protein, available here.
- S Protein S1 Subunit (His Tag, Expressed in Human Cells), available here.
- S Protein S1 Subunit (His Tag, Expressed in Insect Cells), available here.
- S Protein S1 Subunit (mFc Tag, Expressed in Human Cells), available here.
- S Protein S1 Subunit (Fc Tag, Expressed in Human Cells), available here.
- S Protein S2 Subunit, available here.
- S Protein RBD Domain (mFc Tag, Expressed in Human Cells), available here.
- S Protein RBD Domain (His tag, Expressed in Insect Cells), available here.
- Nucleocapsid Antibody, available here.
- Spike Antibody, available here.
SARS-CoV-2 & COVID-19 Further Explained
The resulting disease of SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 can initially be asymptomatic but may progress to coughing, fever, shortness of breath, and in a small number of cases, pneumonia, organ failure, and death. However, only around 2% of cases have been fatal, lower than both SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, with older patients being more susceptible.
S proteins and N proteins are the core products offered by The Native Antigen Company and Sino Biological, since these proteins are seen as the most likely targets for potential vaccines. Both antigens play a crucial role in SARS-CoV-2 propagation and are highly immunogenic.
The Spike (S) glycoprotein is a transmembrane protein on SARS-CoV-2, which binds ACE2 surface receptors on host cells, and as a result, initiates host cell infection. The S protein is composed of two functional domains: S1 and S2. S1 enables ACE2 binding, specifically through its Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD), and defines the host range of the virus, while S2 permits viral and cellular membrane fusion.
Current Research Efforts
As of publication, there are still no approved antiviral treatments or vaccines available, but multiple public health and research organizations have begun development, with a view to clinical trials later this year.
One such example is CureVac, a ZAGENO customer that is currently developing an mRNA vaccine in cooperation with CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations). This partnership aims to reach clinical testing within a few months, thanks to an additional $8.3M worth of funding from CEPI.
This is on top of the existing $34M grant to advance the development of CureVac’s The RNA Printer™, a mobile, automated production unit for rapid mRNA supply, and subsequent production of lipid-nanoparticle formulated mRNA vaccine candidates.
Click the chat icon at the bottom right of our website to learn more about the SARS-CoV-2 products available on ZAGENO by getting in touch with our Scientific Content Team.
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Resources
The Native Antigen’s SARS-CoV2 (2019-nCoV) Antigen Reagent Announcement: https://thenativeantigencompany.com/novel-coronavirus-antigens-now-available/
Sino Biological’s SARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV) Antigen Reagents: https://www.sinobiological.com/2019-ncov-antigen-reagents.html
