Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Receptor Binding Domain (SARS-CoV-2 RBD)

The receptor binding domain (RBD) is a critical region of the spike (S) protein found on the surface of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The RBD is located within the S1 subunit of the spike protein and is directly responsible for recognizing and binding to host cell receptors, specifically angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), facilitating viral entry into human cells. The RBD is highly immunodominant and serves as a major target for neutralizing antibodies produced by recovered patients or induced by vaccines. Recombinant forms of SARS-CoV-2 RBD are used as antigens in serological assays to detect past infection or immune response following vaccination.

Inhibition of ACE2 binding