Stabilized Spike Protein from SARS-CoV-2 (IMAGE) University of Texas at Austin Caption This is a 3D atomic scale map, or molecular structure, of the stabilized 2019-nCoV spike protein. The protein takes on two different shapes, called conformations--one before it infects a host cell, and another after infection. This structure represents the protein before it infects a cell, called the prefusion conformation. Credit Jason McLellan/University of Texas at Austin Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.