SARS-CoV-2 Membrane protein and additional virion surface antigens (SARS-CoV-2 M/S/E proteins)

The SARS-CoV-2 Membrane (M) protein is the most abundant structural protein of the virus and is essential for organizing the assembly of the virion through its interactions with the Spike (S), Envelope (E), and Nucleocapsid (N) proteins (UniProt P0DTC5). While the Spike protein is the primary target for most COVID-19 vaccines due to its role in binding the ACE2 receptor, the M and E proteins are also critical surface antigens that contribute to the virus's structural integrity and budding process (PubMed: 32908214). The M protein is highly conserved across coronaviruses, making it an attractive target for pan-coronavirus vaccines and therapies aimed at reducing the impact of mutations in the Spike protein (PubMed: 33053431). Therapeutic strategies targeting these surface antigens include mRNA and protein-subunit vaccines designed to elicit both humoral and cellular immune responses. By including additional antigens like M and E, researchers aim to broaden the immune response and improve protection against diverse SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Other names

Membrane glycoprotein (M protein)Spike glycoprotein (S protein)Envelope protein (E protein)SARS-CoV-2 structural proteinsVirion surface antigens

Induction of active immunity through the presentation of viral surface antigens to the immune system, leading to the production of neutralizing antibodies and the activation of T-cell responses to block viral entry and replication.