The coronavirus has caused a major public health crisis around the world, but scientists like Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett are working hard to develop a much needed vaccine.
What We Know:
- Dr. Kizzmekia S. Corbett, a world-renowned black viral immunologist, is working with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and taking the lead to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus.
- She is also the scientific lead for Dr. Barney Graham’s coronavirus team based in Seattle.
- In regards to preventing the lethality of the virus, Corbertt stated “if you can block the spike protein from binding to a cell, then you’ve effectively prevented an infection”.
- She and others had studied the spike proteins on SARS and MERS viruses in detail that are similar to COVID-19, using them to develop experimental vaccines.
- Corbett started her work in January when researchers first learned how infectious and contagious COVID-19 was and how easily it can be spread. The team was formed to develop a safe and effective vaccine with Dr. Corbett leading the charge.
- She has nearly 10 years of research experience that entails elucidating mechanisms of viral pathogenesis and host immunity as they pertain to vaccine developments.
Dr. Corbett’s work is much needed at this precarious time and we are hopeful that she progresses to finding a vaccine.
