How synthetic biology unlocked the COVID-19 response in Bristol UK
A core technology in our laboratory is the MultiBac platform, which we developed originally to produce complex biologics that were hitherto unaccassible. MultiBac relies on a small non-human viral genome which we continuously optimize, for delivering customized multicomponent DNA circuitry to programme insect or mammalian cells and tissues, outfitting them with specific functionalities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we deployed the MultiBac platform to provide SARS-CoV-2 antigens including the Spike glycoprotein to clinicians investigating this novel disease outbreak. In the process, we fortuitously discovered a druggable pocket, and a potent pan-coronavirus antiviral drug, in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike. Moreover, we used MultiBac to prepare novel nature-inspired reagents for active and passive immunization against coronavirus infectious disease.