Proteopedia:Featured SEL/5

by Eric Martz
Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (responsible for COVID-19) has a spike protein on its surface, which enables it to infect host cells. Initially, proteases in the lungs clip the homo-trimeric 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. Next, spike protein initiates fusion of the virus and host cell membranes, enabling the virus RNA to enter the cell and initiate production of new virions. Knowledge of spike protein's molecular structure and function is crucial to developing effective therapies and vaccines. >>> Visit this page >>>