Structure determination needs to go viral

Area of Science:

• Structural biology
• Virology
• Public health

Background:

• Viral diseases pose a significant threat, with potential for future epidemics.
• Understanding viral diversity through protein structures is crucial for preparedness.
• The Protein Data Bank (PDB) is a key resource for structural information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the representation of viral diversity in deposited protein structures.
• To identify gaps in structural data for viruses of public health importance.
• To inform strategies for enhancing preparedness against viral threats.

Main Methods:

• Data collection from the Protein Data Bank (PDB).
• Screening of available viral protein structures.
• Exclusion of highly studied viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 for a broader assessment.

Main Results:

• Fewer than 50 unique viral structures were deposited annually, excluding SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1.
• This indicates a significant lack of diversity in the deposited viral protein structures.
• Key viruses of interest to the World Health Organization (WHO) are underrepresented.

Conclusions:

• Current viral protein structure data is insufficient to represent global viral diversity.
• Increased efforts in determining viral structures are essential for pandemic preparedness.
• Addressing these structural data gaps will strengthen responses to future public health crises.