Journal
SCIENCE
Volume 369, Issue 6511, Pages 1586-+Publisher
AMER ASSOC ADVANCEMENT SCIENCE
DOI: 10.1126/science.abd4251
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Funding
- NIH [AI147884, 3R01AI147884-01A1S1, AI141002, AI127193]
- COVID-19 Award by Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness (MassCPR)
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Intervention strategies are urgently needed to control the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. The trimeric viral spike (S) protein catalyzes fusion between viral and target cell membranes to initiate infection. Here, we report two cryo-electron microscopy structures derived from a preparation of the full-length S protein, representing its prefusion (2.9-angstrom resolution) and postfusion (3.0-angstrom resolution) conformations, respectively. The spontaneous transition to the postfusion state is independent of target cells. The prefusion trimer has three receptor-binding domains clamped down by a segment adjacent to the fusion peptide. The postfusion structure is strategically decorated by N-linked glycans, suggesting possible protective roles against host immune responses and harsh external conditions. These findings advance our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 entry and may guide the development of vaccines and therapeutics.
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