Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Spike protein (S protein) (S protein)

The Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Spike protein (S protein) is a large type I transmembrane glycoprotein that mediates viral entry into host cells [1]. It consists of two subunits: S1, which contains the receptor-binding domain (RBD) for Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) recognition, and S2, which facilitates membrane fusion [2]. 'SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus entry' refers to a common experimental assay using surrogate viruses to study this process and screen for inhibitors [3]. The Spike protein is the primary target for neutralizing antibodies and vaccines, as blocking its interaction with ACE2 prevents infection [2]. Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies like Sotrovimab and Bebtelovimab specifically target conserved epitopes on the Spike protein to neutralize the virus [4]. However, the rapid evolution of the virus leads to mutations in the Spike protein that can result in immune evasion and reduced drug efficacy [5]. Sources: [1] UniProt P0DTC2 (SPIKE_SARS2) [2] Hoffmann et al., Cell 2020 (SARS-CoV-2 entry) [3] NCATS OpenData (SARS-CoV-2 Pseudovirus Entry Assay) [4] FDA Emergency Use Authorizations for Monoclonal Antibodies [5] Harvey et al., Nature Reviews Microbiology 2021 (SARS-CoV-2 variants)

Other names

SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus entrySpike glycoproteinS-proteinSurface glycoproteinSARS-CoV-2 S protein

Neutralization of viral particles by blocking the receptor-binding domain (RBD) interaction with host ACE2 or inhibiting membrane fusion.