protein spike

 We are all familiar now with the graphic of the coronavirus with its red bits that stick out. These are the protein spikes which attach to receptors on human cells, a process which is a bit like opening a door to the human cell and allowing the virus to enter.  Each coronavirus has a spike with a slightly different molecular structure so before work on a vaccine for COVID-19 could begin, the protein spike on SARS-CoV-2 had to be analysed. But this has been done and the vaccine development is underway.  Who would have thought that we would be discussing protein spikes over the morning coffee!