Molecular Insights into the Interaction between CD147 and the SARS-CoV‑2 Spike Protein

Area of Science:

• Virology and Molecular Biology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147) is a potential auxiliary receptor for SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (SP).
• Detailed binding characteristics of the SP-CD147 interaction are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the binding of SARS-CoV-2 SP to CD147.
• To investigate the influence of temperature and heparin on SP-CD147 binding.

Main Methods:

• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
• Single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS)
• Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM)
• Molecular dynamics simulations

Main Results:

• SP-CD147 binding force increases significantly at fever-like temperatures, unlike SP-ACE2 interactions.
• Heparin binds independently to both SP and CD147.
• Heparin enhances the binding force between SP and CD147, stabilizing the complex.

Conclusions:

• The CD147-SP interaction is temperature-dependent and modulated by heparin.
• Heparin's stabilizing effect on the SP-CD147 complex offers potential therapeutic strategies for COVID-19.