The spike (S) glycoprotein of coronaviruses is essential for binding of the virus to the host cell at the beginning of the infection process. The severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (SARS-CoV) spike (S) glycoprotein is responsible for membrane fusion and is therefore required for virus entry and cell fusion. The target protein is also a major immunogen and a possible target for entry inhibitors.
The SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein is a large type I transmembrane protein composed of two subunits, S1 and S2. The S1 subunit contains a receptor-binding domain (RBD) responsible for binding to the host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The S2 subunit mediates fusion between the viral and host cell membranes. The S1 RBD protein plays key parts in the induction of neutralizing-antibody and T-cell responses, as well as protective immunity.
