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The glycosylation in SARS-CoV-2 and its receptor ACE2

Yanqiu Gong1, Suideng Qin2, Lunzhi Dai3

  • 1National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of General Practice, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, China.

Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy
|November 16, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Glycosylation of SARS-CoV-2 proteins and ACE2 is crucial for viral pathogenesis. Understanding this viral glycobiology offers new therapeutic strategies against COVID-19 and its variants.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Glycobiology
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to a global health crisis.
  • SARS-CoV-2 possesses highly glycosylated proteins (spike, envelope, membrane, ORF3a) essential for viral functions.
  • Glycosylation plays a significant role in viral entry, pathogenesis, and immune evasion.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the detection, substrates, and biological functions of glycosylation in SARS-CoV-2 proteins and human ACE2.
  • To summarize current and emerging therapeutics targeting glycosylation in SARS-CoV-2.
  • To provide insights into viral glycobiology for developing novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on SARS-CoV-2 glycosylation.
  • Analysis of structural data (cryo-electron microscopy) and topological information.
  • Compilation of information on therapeutic interventions related to glycosylation.

Main Results:

  • Glycosylation affects critical viral processes including host cell recognition and entry.
  • ACE2, the human receptor for SARS-CoV-2, is also glycosylated, influencing viral binding.
  • Various therapeutic approaches targeting viral glycosylation are under investigation.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive understanding of SARS-CoV-2 glycosylation is vital for combating the pandemic.
  • Targeting viral and host glycosylation presents a promising avenue for developing effective COVID-19 treatments.
  • Further research into viral glycobiology can accelerate the development of antivirals and vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and its future variants.

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