Researchers discover potential therapeutic targets on SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein
This graphic demonstrates viral entry into a host cell mediated by Spike protein-ACE2 interactions. Click on the image for more detailed information.Image: Ganesh Anand, Penn State
Researchers discover potential therapeutic targets on SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein
Sara LaJeunesse
February 23, 2021
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted considerable investigation into how the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein attaches to a human cell during the infection process, as this knowledge is useful in designing vaccines and therapeutics. Now, a team of scientists has discovered additional locations on the Spike protein that may not only help to explain how certain mutations make emerging variants more infectious but also could be used as additional targets for therapeutic intervention.
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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted considerable investigation into how the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein attaches to a human cell during the infection process, as this knowledge is useful in designing vaccines and therapeutics. Now, a team of scientists has discovered additional locations on the Spike protein that may not only help to explain how certain mutations make emerging variants more infectious but also could be used as additional targets for therapeutic intervention. Significant research is underway to examine how the receptor binding domain (RBD) at the tip of the club-shaped SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein attaches to an ACE2 receptor on a human cell, but little is known about the other changes that occur in the Spike protein as a result of this attachment, said Ganesh Anand, associate professor of chemistry, Penn State. We have uncovered hotspots further down on the Spike protein that are critical for SARS-CoV-2 infection and may be novel target