Prof.Linqi Zhang: COVID-19, lessons learned from HIV research

Professor Linqi Zhang, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University
Chair of Comprehensive AIDS Research Center, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University
Chair of Global Health and Infectious Diseases Center

COVID-19: lessons learned from HIV research

Prof. Zhang and the team reported the world’s first crystal structure of the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) in complex with the human cell receptor ACE2 at a resolution of 2.45 angstrom. By precisely elucidating the interactions between RBD and ACE2, this study revealed the structural basis for the recognition of SARS-CoV-2 by ACE2 and provided important structural knowledge for the development of antibodies and vaccines against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prof. Zhang had 33 years of research on AIDS and emerging infectious diseases, he believed that his own rich experience in AIDS research has been of great help to the research of the SARS-CoV-2. The technical concepts of the two are similar, and the techniques and concepts in the development process of AIDS antibody drugs are very important to the drug development of the SARS-CoV-2. Scientific research requires dedication and steady accumulation, and there is never a shortcut to get to the top overnight. Microbiology, immunology, vaccinology, public health and other fields of public interest and very basic need more and more sustained investment, so that in the face of new emerging infectious diseases, we will be fully prepared in knowledge and technology, so that we can be called to come, come to fight, and win the battle.