The SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Mutation Explorer: using an interactive application to improve the public understanding of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

Abstract

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the virus responsible, SARS-CoV-2, became a source of intense interest for non-expert audiences. The viral spike protein gained particular public interest as the main target for protective immune responses, including those elicited by vaccines. The rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 resulted in variations in the spike that enhanced transmissibility or weakened vaccine protection. This created new variants of concern (VOCs). The emergence of VOCs was studied using viral sequence data which was shared through portals such as the online Mutation Explorer of the COVID-19 Genomics UK consortium (COG-UK/ME). This was designed for an expert audience, but the information it contained could be of general interest if suitably communicated. Visualisations, interactivity and animation can improve engagement and understanding of molecular biology topics, and so we developed a graphical educational resource, the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Mutation Explorer (SSPME), which used interactive 3D molecular models and animations to explain the molecular biology underpinning VOCs. User testing showed that the SSPME had better usability and improved participant knowledge confidence and knowledge acquisition compared to COG-UK/ME. This demonstrates how interactive visualisations can be used for effective molecular biology communication, as well as improving the public understanding of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• coronavirus
• virology
• molecular biology
• 3D visualisation
• science education

Acknowledgements

The work described in this article was devised and carried out as part of an MSc in Medical Visualisation and Human Anatomy at The Glasgow School of Art and The University of Glasgow.

Author contributions

SI: Conceptualisation, Investigation, Visualisation, Methodology, Software, Writing – original draft; WTH: Resources; JH: Resources; DLR: Resources; MP: Supervision, Writing – review and editing, EH: Supervision, Writing – review and editing.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Work in the Hutchinson group is funded by the MRC [MR/N008618/1 and MR/V035789/1] and by The University of Glasgow. JH and DLR are funded by the MRC [MC_UU_12014/12]. WTH is funded by the MRC [MR/R024758/1 and MR/W005611/1].