Proteopedia:Featured SEL/5

by Eric Martz
Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (responsible for COVID-19) has a spike protein on its surface enabling it to infect host cells. Initially, proteases in the lungs clip the spike protein at a unique sequence. This primes it, causing it to extend its receptor binding surface, optimizing binding to the ACE2 receptor on the host cell. In a subsequent step (not shown) the virus RNA enters the cell to initiate production of new virions. Knowledge of spike protein's protein molecular structure and function is crucial to developing effective therapies and vaccines. >>> Visit this page >>>