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Coronavirus Spike Protein and Tropism Changes
R J G Hulswit1, C A M de Haan1, B-J Bosch1
1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Advances in Virus Research
|October 8, 2016
Summary
Coronaviruses (CoVs) can change their host range due to genetic variability. The viral spike (S) protein is key to this tropism change, influencing cross-species transmission and pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Structural Biology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Coronaviruses (CoVs) exhibit significant tropism plasticity, as evidenced by the emergence of zoonotic severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-CoV.
- The genetic variability of these enveloped, positive-stranded RNA viruses necessitates ongoing research into potential cross-species transmission events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review changes in the viral spike (S) protein that influence coronavirus (CoV) tropism.
- To elucidate the structural insights into CoV S protein function and its role in inter- and intraspecies tropism changes.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent high-resolution structures of CoV S proteins obtained via single-particle cryo-electron microscopy.
- Analysis of structural data to understand S protein adaptations related to tropism shifts.
Main Results:
- The viral spike (S) protein is the primary determinant of CoV tropism, mediating receptor binding and membrane fusion.
- Tropism changes involve S protein adaptability to different receptors, alterations in proteolytic cleavage, and modifications in S protein metastability.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the structural basis of S protein function is crucial for comprehending CoV cross-species transmission and pathogenesis.
- Knowledge of S protein dynamics is vital for developing effective intervention strategies against CoVs.
Keywords:
Coronavirus spikeCross-species transmissionCryo-EM structureMembrane fusionReceptor interactionTropismMore Related Videos
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