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Variation in structural motifs within SARS-related coronavirus spike proteins
Francesca R Hills1, Alice-Roza Eruera1, James Hodgkinson-Bean1
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Plos Pathogens
|May 28, 2024
Summary
Researchers reveal novel SARS-related coronavirus spike protein structures from bats and civets. This structural information aids in understanding virus relatives and developing treatments for future pandemics.
Area of Science:
- Structural biology
- Virology
- Coronaviruses
Background:
- Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the third coronavirus to jump from animals to humans in 20 years.
- Limited structural data exists for SARS-related coronaviruses, hindering understanding of their evolution and cross-species transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present novel three-dimensional structures of SARS-related coronavirus spike proteins from bat and civet origins.
- To provide a structural framework for analyzing SARS-CoV-2 relatives and informing pandemic preparedness.
Main Methods:
- Single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was used to determine the structures.
- Analysis included glycan composition, water molecule coordination, and ligand binding pockets.
Main Results:
- Three novel SARS-related CoV spike protein structures were solved: bat SL-CoV WIV1, civet cCoV-SZ3, and cCoV-007.
- Complex glycans, water molecules, and conserved fatty acid binding pockets with linoleic acid were identified.
- Differences in a key loop of the receptor binding motif were observed between human-infecting and animal coronaviruses.
Conclusions:
- The study provides crucial structural insights into SARS-related coronaviruses, close relatives of SARS-CoV-2.
- Findings can guide the development of broad-spectrum antiviral treatments and enhance pandemic prevention strategies.
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