Receptor-binding motif of spike glycoprotein

The **receptor-binding motif (RBM) of the spike glycoprotein** is a subregion within the larger receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the coronavirus spike (S) protein, most notably in SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2[9]. The RBM is the specific structural motif that directly contacts the host cell surface receptor, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), mediating viral entry[2][7][9][10]. While the spike glycoprotein as a whole is a major antiviral and vaccine target, the RBM itself is not classified as an independent molecular target but rather as a functional "hotspot" within the RBD for virus-receptor interaction and antibody recognition[6][9]. The RBM is crucial for host specificity, infectivity, and is a focus for understanding viral evolution, immune escape, and the development of broadly neutralizing antibodies[7][9]. However, it is a motif/region, not a standalone protein or receptor. **Note:** This is not a canonical molecular target like a receptor, transporter, or enzyme, but a motif within the spike glycoprotein's RBD. For most structured databases or therapeutic targeting, "spike glycoprotein (S)" or "receptor-binding domain of spike glycoprotein (RBD)" would be the correct, actionable entries, not "receptor-binding motif of spike glycoprotein" on its own[1][7][9].

Other names

RBM of spike glycoproteinReceptor-binding motif of S proteinRBM (for short)Motif within the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of spike glycoprotein

Drugs/antibodies that block the RBD-RBM interface prevent spike protein attachment to ACE2, inhibiting viral entry Vaccine-induced antibodies target the RBD/RBM to neutralize virus