Our latest work with @VirusWhisperer shows that the B.1.351 variant easily escapes Sputnik V vaccine elicited neutralizing antibodies. medrxiv.org/content/10.110…
Benhur’s data analyses are 👨🏽🍳’s 😘 .. and the amount of escape is just 👀 🤯 
The system used here is a REPLICATION COMPETENT recombinant VSV carrying the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (or Spike from variants).. similar to systems used by @PaulBieniasz @ChandranLab @vsv512
One of the great advantages of working with Benhur’s lab is @csstevens91 @sope_oguntuyo developed a single cell cloned an optimized target cell expressing ACE2 & TMPRSS2.. makes for a super sensitive reporter system.
The degree to which B.1.351 escapes Sputnik V neutralization is just remarkable...
We should probably be using 2P or even HexaPro (h/t @McLellan_Lab) prefusion “locked” Spikes in updated vaccines, and update them to match the most concerning S: E484K-type variants.
Belated h/t @satoshi84570237 @sope_oguntuyo @GriffinHaas and the many other co-authors not on twitter for their essential contributions to the study!
my role was mainly to pitch incorporating into @VirusWhisperer's VSV-eGFP-Spike system the most frequent non-synonymous substitutions showing up from data shared via @GISAID by the amazing worldwide community of people doing Viral Genome Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2
Of course, as soon as B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 emerged, I also ordered gBlocks from @idtdna and started stitching them into Benhur's genomic clone of VSV-eGFP-Spike and the amazing @satoshi84570237 rescued them into live virus faster than anyone can believe. He is a wizard!
We have lots of other surprises in store but I'd like to drive home how ESSENTIAL it is to be able to trust others and to collaborate to do great science. Everyone has their special skills..
Benhur is particularly adroit at mathematical analyses of neutralization curves (Hill slope analysis, etc).. and also knows how to make cells with optimal receptor + co-receptor density to study entry in vitro.
One can learn so much working together with people like Benhur and his amazingly talented lab members. That's not just lip service. These people are all incredible.
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