Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Spike Glycoprotein (Original Strain) (None)

The spike glycoprotein (S protein) of SARS-CoV-2 is a large, trimeric, class I fusion protein that protrudes from the viral envelope and is essential for mediating viral entry into host cells. It is the primary target for neutralizing antibodies and forms the basis of most COVID-19 vaccines. The S protein consists of the S1 subunit, responsible for binding to the host cell receptor ACE2, and the S2 subunit, which mediates fusion between viral and cellular membranes. The S1/S2 boundary contains a polybasic furin cleavage site, enhancing pathogenicity and transmissibility. The spike protein undergoes extensive N-linked glycosylation, aiding in proper folding and immune evasion. After ACE2 engagement, conformational changes expose regions within S2 that drive membrane fusion. The spike protein is highly immunogenic, eliciting strong humoral responses with production of neutralizing antibodies.

Other names

SARS-CoV-2 Spike ProteinS proteinSpike glycoprotein

Neutralizing antibodies bind to the spike protein, preventing ACE2 interaction and/or membrane fusion. Vaccines elicit an antibody response against the spike protein.