SARS-CoV2 Spike Protein

Overview

The SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein has been widely discussed, as the spike protein is the target for the mRNA vaccines. The Protein Data Bank provides some powerful visuals of the protein.

Critically, the spike protein allows the coronavirus to enter several kinds of cells, since it can attach to the ACE2 receptor that regulates blood pressure, found in lung, heart, kidney, and intestinal cells. Pictures from the Protein Data Bank are below.

There are two ways the body can fight the coronavirus. First, the body can mark the spike proteins for destruction with antibodies. Second, therapeutics can insert nanoparticles on the ends of the spike proteins, to prevent their binding.

Visual

CoronaVirus spike protein from Protein Data Bank Fig 1: SARS-CoV-2 Spike proteins: from the Protein Data Bank. The spike protein is what gives the Corona-virus its name: many spike proteins around the virus look like a crown. The spike on the left shows SARS-CoV, and the spike on the right shows SARS-CoV-2.

Binding

The spike protein binding to an ACE2 receptor Fig 2: SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein binding to an ACE2 receptor: from the Protein Data Bank.

Antibodies

Several Antibodies. From Protein DB Fig 3: Antibodies binding to the spike protein. The first four are from people who had been infected; the last is from an antibody usually binding to HIV-1. From Protein Data Bank

Nanobodies

Nanobodies attach to the end of the spike protein, preventing its binding to ACE2 Fig 4: “Nanobodies” bind to the end of the spike protein, and interfere with its binding to the ACE2 receptor. From Protein Data Bank.