Using Small Molecules To Keep SARS-CoV-2 Closed for Business The infamous spike proteins on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 help it bind to and enter human cells. Because of their important role in spreading infection, these spike proteins are one of the main targets for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.
Some small molecules can lock SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins in a harmless closed configuration instead of the infectious open configuration . Credit: Adapted from ACS Central Science 2023, DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.2c01190The infamous spike proteins on the surface ofhelp it bind to and enter human cells.
Spike proteins change shape when they attack a cell. In their “open” structure, they expose a section known as the receptor-binding domain so it can attach to the ACE2 protein on human cells. In the “closed” structure, this RBD segment is tucked inside the spike protein and can’t bind to human cells. Antibodies contained in sometherapies or stimulated by vaccines or infection target the RBD domain so it can’t bind to ACE2.
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