The spike glycoprotein of highly pathogenic human coronaviruses: structural insights for understanding infection, evolution and inhibition. Issue 9 (25th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Qiao, Shuyuan; Zhang, Shuyuan; Ge, Jiwan; Wang, Xinquan
• Other Names: Wlodawer Alexander guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: FEBS open bio. Volume 12:Issue 9(2022)
• Page Start: 1602
• Page End: 1622
• Publication Date: 2022-06-25
• Subjects: evolution -- highly pathogenic coronaviruses -- infection -- inhibition -- spike glycoprotein -- structural insights; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Periodicals; Biological Science Disciplines -- Periodicals; Molecular Biology -- Periodicals; Cell Biology -- Periodicals; Cytology; Life sciences; Molecular biology; Periodicals; 572.805
• DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13454
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-5463

Abstract

Abstract : Highly pathogenic human coronaviruses (CoV) including SARS‐CoV, MERS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV‐2 have emerged over the past two decades, resulting in infectious disease outbreaks that have greatly affected public health. The CoV surface spike (S) glycoprotein mediates receptor binding and membrane fusion for cell entry, playing critical roles in CoV infection and evolution. The S glycoprotein is also the major target molecule for prophylactic and therapeutic interventions, including neutralizing antibodies and vaccines. In this review, we summarize key studies that have revealed the structural basis of S‐mediated cell entry of SARS‐CoV, MERS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV‐2. Additionally, we discuss the evolution of the S glycoprotein to realize cross‐species transmission from the viewpoint of structural biology. Lastly, we describe the recent progress in developing antibodies, nanobodies and peptide inhibitors that target the SARS‐CoV‐2 S glycoprotein for therapeutic purposes. Abstract : This review mainly focuses on structural insights into the spike glycoproteins of highly pathogenic coronaviruses, especially SARS‐CoV‐2. This includes the characteristics of the spike glycoprotein, the mechanisms of SARS‐CoV‐2 entry into host cells, the evolution strategies SARS‐CoV‐2 uses to enlarge host range and escape from host immunity, and anti‐spike therapies to fight against SARS‐CoV‐2.