Spike Glycoprotein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 (Delta Variant) (S protein (Delta))

The spike glycoprotein (S) is a large, trimeric transmembrane protein found on the surface of SARS-CoV-2, responsible for mediating viral entry into host cells. In the Delta variant (lineage B.1.617.2), this protein exhibits several mutations (T19R, T95I, G142D, E156G, del157–158, L452R, T478K, D614G, P681R, D950N) that enhance its infectivity, transmissibility, and immune evasion compared to earlier variants. It binds to the ACE2 receptor and mediates membrane fusion.

Other names

SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein (Delta variant)B.1.617.2 Spike proteinDelta Spike Glycoprotein

The spike glycoprotein mediates attachment to host cell receptors (ACE2), followed by conformational changes that drive membrane fusion, a process essential for viral genome delivery into host cells. Delta-specific mutations result in more rapid cell entry kinetics, higher replication rates, increased pathogenicity, and partial resistance to antibody-mediated neutralization.