Molecular insights into receptor binding of recent emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Nat Commun
; 12(1): 6103, 2021 10 20.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1475296
ABSTRACT
Multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) have been emerging and some have been linked to an increase in case numbers globally. However, there is yet a lack of understanding of the molecular basis for the interactions between the human ACE2 (hACE2) receptor and these VOCs. Here we examined several VOCs including Alpha, Beta, and Gamma, and demonstrate that five variants receptor-binding domain (RBD) increased binding affinity for hACE2, and four variants pseudoviruses increased entry into susceptible cells. Crystal structures of hACE2-RBD complexes help identify the key residues facilitating changes in hACE2 binding affinity. Additionally, soluble hACE2 protein efficiently prevent most of the variants pseudoviruses. Our findings provide important molecular information and may help the development of novel therapeutic and prophylactic agents targeting these emerging mutants.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
/
Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
/
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
/
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Topics:
Variants
Limits:
Animals
/
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Nat Commun
Journal subject:
Biology
/
Science
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S41467-021-26401-w
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