Receptor Binding Domain of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein (RBD)

The receptor binding domain (RBD) is a critical region within the spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2. The RBD enables the virus to attach to and enter human cells by specifically binding to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on host cell surfaces. This interaction is essential for viral entry and infection initiation. The RBD is a major target for neutralizing antibodies generated during natural infection or vaccination. Mutations in this domain can significantly alter viral pathogenicity by affecting how tightly or loosely it binds ACE2. Because blocking this interaction prevents viral entry into cells, many therapeutic strategies focus on small-molecule inhibitors that disrupt RBD–ACE2 binding, monoclonal antibodies targeting conserved epitopes on RBD and vaccine antigens based on stabilized versions of this domain.

Other names

SARS-CoV-2 RBDSpike RBDS1 RBD

Blocking RBD-ACE2 interaction, Neutralization of viral entry