Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Spike Glycoprotein (SARS-CoV-2 Spike)

The spike glycoprotein (S protein) of SARS-CoV-2 is a large, trimeric class I viral fusion protein located on the outer envelope of the virus. It mediates viral entry by attaching to host cell receptors (primarily ACE2) via its receptor-binding domain (RBD) in the S1 subunit and facilitating membrane fusion via the S2 subunit. The spike protein is a critical target for vaccines, antibodies, and antiviral drugs due to its essential role in viral entry and its immunodominant nature. It undergoes conformational changes from a prefusion (closed) to a postfusion (open) state to enable receptor binding and membrane fusion.

Other names

S proteinSpike proteinSARS-CoV-2 S protein

Monoclonal antibodies: Bind to the spike protein, preventing it from binding to ACE2 or triggering membrane fusion. Vaccines: Induce an immune response (antibody and T-cell) against the spike protein, providing protection against infection.