Human adaptive immune receptors recognizing SARS-CoV-2 spike (SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific AIRs)

Human adaptive immune receptors recognizing the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein consist of a diverse repertoire of B-cell receptors (BCRs) and T-cell receptors (TCRs) that specifically bind to the viral spike glycoprotein. BCRs, which can be secreted as monoclonal antibodies, primarily target the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and N-terminal domain (NTD) to neutralize the virus by blocking its attachment to the host ACE2 receptor. TCRs recognize processed spike peptides presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules, orchestrating cellular immunity to eliminate infected cells and support B-cell maturation. These receptors are the primary targets of COVID-19 vaccines, which aim to elicit a robust and lasting repertoire of these proteins to prevent severe disease. In clinical practice, synthetic versions of these receptors (monoclonal antibodies) have been used as passive immunotherapies to treat high-risk patients during the pandemic.

Other names

SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific B-cell receptorsSARS-CoV-2 spike-specific T-cell receptorsAnti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodiesSpike-reactive BCRsSpike-reactive TCRsCOVID-19 adaptive immune repertoire

Vaccines stimulate these receptors to induce a protective immune response; monoclonal antibodies act as exogenous versions of these receptors to neutralize the virus by binding the Spike protein's receptor-binding domain (RBD), preventing ACE2 interaction and viral entry.