Prepare for the Future: Dissecting the Spike to Seek Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies and Universal Vaccine for Pandemic Coronaviruses

Abstract

This perspective examines opportunities for preparing against future coronavirus pandemics by dissecting conserved spike protein regions of SARS‑CoV‑2, SARS‑CoV, and MERS‑CoV. The authors argue that targeting conserved, autonomously folding spike subdomains could enable elicitation of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) and guide the development of a universal coronavirus vaccine. They highlight potential risks posed by antibody‑dependent enhancement (ADE) when targeting variable domains like the RBD and suggest focusing instead on more conserved spike epitopes for broader immunization strategies.,