The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein: its role in the viral life cycle, structure and functions, and use as a potential target in the development of vaccines and diagnostics

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to take a heavy toll on personal health, healthcare systems, and economies around the globe. Scientists are expending tremendous effort to develop diagnostic technologies for detecting positive infections within the shortest possible time, and vaccines and drugs specifically for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 disease. At the same time, emerging novel variants have raised serious concerns about vaccine efficacy. The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein plays an important role in the coronavirus life cycle, and participates in various vital activities after virus invasion. It has attracted a large amount of attention for vaccine and drug development. Here, we summarize the latest research of the N protein, including its role in the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, structure and function, and post-translational modifications in addition to its involvement in liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) and use as a basis for the development of vaccines and diagnostic techniques.

Automated summary

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to have devastating effects on personal health, healthcare systems, and global economies. Efforts are being made to develop diagnostic technologies for early detection of infections, as well as vaccines and drugs for prevention and treatment. However, concerns are rising due to the emergence of new variants that may affect vaccine efficacy. The nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 has gained attention for its role in the virus life cycle and its potential as a target for vaccines and diagnostic techniques. This article provides a summary of the latest research on the N protein, including its functions, structure, post-translational modifications, and involvement in liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS).