The protein is derived from sharks and is used to create an antibody against covid-19.
Shark proteins could help neutralize the SARS-COV-2 virus, says new study.
The antibody-like proteins, called VNARs, are isolated from sharks’ immune systems. However, the latest study discovered that these proteins may promise to be game-changers for the coronavirus’s future.
Aaron LeBeau, a pathology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison who collaborated on the study, discussed the results.
The professor said: “The big issue is there are a number of coronaviruses that are poised for emergence in humans.”
“What we’re doing is preparing an arsenal of shark VNAR therapeutics that could be used down the road for future SARS [Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome] outbreaks.
“It’s a kind of insurance against the future.”
LeBeau further added: “These small antibody-like proteins can get into nooks and crannies that human antibodies cannot access.”
While these proteins may not be immediately available to scientists, they are reported to have provided hopes for their future consideration.
However, a recent Pfizer release provides optimism in the fight against Omicron, as three doses of the jab are believed to “neutralize” the type.
Both BioNTech and Pfizer revealed the results of successful laboratory tests.
According to the results, the third dose increases antibody response to coronavirus by 25%.
Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said: “Ensuring as many people as possible are fully vaccinated with the first two-dose series and a booster remains the best course of action to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Many concerns have been raised regarding the Omicron variant, which the WHO has classified as a “variant of concern.”
However, Richard Hatchett, CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), discussed what is now known about the variant – and his optimism for the future.
He said: “A year ago we recorded 69 million cases worldwide. Today, there are about 265 million cases.
“We’re just beginning to get the first data on Omicron.
“There’s certainly a suggestion early on that it does reduce vaccine effectiveness.
“We’re seeing Omicron spread very quickly, it appears to be highly infectious.
“What we don’t know yet is how severe the virus will be and how it will compete with the dominant Delta variant.”
He added: “I think it’s possible that it could be good.
“If some of the early reports that the severity is less than other variants are true – and it outcompetes those variants – then it could offer a silver lining.
“It could sweep the table and reduce the more dangerous variants.
“In fact, the last pandemic in 2009, the Swine Flu, was a very mild virus.
“It wiped out all the circulating flu viruses for years, we had some very mild flu seasons.”
Image Credit: GEtty
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