Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (whole virion) (SARS-CoV-2 (whole virion))

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an enveloped, positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Betacoronavirus genus and is the causative agent of COVID-19[2][4]. The whole virion consists of an approximately 100 nm spherical particle composed of a lipid envelope embedded with spike (S), envelope (E), and membrane (M) proteins, surrounding a nucleocapsid (N)-encapsidated ~30 kb RNA genome[2][1]. The spike glycoprotein mediates binding to host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, enabling viral entry and fusion with host cell membranes[2][3][4]. SARS-CoV-2 whole virion is a therapeutic target for antiviral drugs, neutralizing antibodies, and vaccines, with major structural proteins serving as primary antigens and antiviral target sites. The virus is the agent of the global COVID-19 pandemic, with infection leading to a range of outcomes from mild respiratory symptoms to severe pneumonia and systemic inflammatory responses[2][4].

Other names

SARS-CoV-2 virionSARS-CoV-2Novel coronavirus 20192019-nCoV

Inhibition of viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (e.g., remdesivir, molnupivir); Inhibition of main viral protease (nirmatrelvir); Neutralizing antibody-mediated inhibition of viral entry (monoclonal antibodies, vaccine-induced antibodies); Induction of immune response to viral proteins (vaccines)