Structure of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to loss of human life in millions and devastating socio-economic consequences worldwide. The disease has created urgent needs for intervention strategies to control the crisis and meeting these needs requires a deep understanding of the structure-function relationships of viral proteins and relevant host factors. The trimeric spike (S) protein of the virus decorates the viral surface and is an important target for development of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. Rapid progress in the structural biology of SARS-CoV-2 S protein has been made since the early stage of the pandemic, advancing our knowledge on the viral entry process considerably. In this review, we summarize our latest understanding of the structure of the SARS-CoV-2 S protein and discuss the implications for vaccines and therapeutics.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to millions of deaths and devastating socio-economic consequences worldwide. Understanding the structure-function relationships of viral proteins and host factors is crucial for developing intervention strategies. The trimeric spike protein is a key target for diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines, and rapid progress in its structural biology has advanced our understanding of the viral entry process.