Spring-Loaded Mechanism Cracks Code on Viral Infection

Peter Kim's groundbreaking discovery in 1993 revealed how influenza viruses break into host cells using a spring-loaded mechanism.

The mechanism, which involves a loop-like region in hemagglutinin rearranging itself into a coiled coil, allows the fusion peptide to move upward and insert into the endosomal membrane. This process is crucial for viral entry and has been shown to be used by many other viruses, including HIV.

Kim's discovery paved the way for developing antiviral drugs that block viruses from fusing with host cells. He later co-invented potent engineered 5-Helix proteins that prevent HIV infection by stopping membrane fusion. This protein was used as a structural and conceptual basis for developing specialized, injectable fusion inhibitors against HIV.

Kim's work at Merck led to the development of more than 20 new vaccines and medicines, including Gardasil and Keytruda. He is now working on designing better vaccines and antibodies using protein engineering, structural biology, and artificial intelligence.