The role of SARS-CoV-2 protein S glycosylation

in the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 / ACE2 and immune responses

Abstract

The current pandemic is caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which in turn is induced by a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that triggers an acute respiratory illness. In recent years, the appearance of SARS-CoV-2 is the third highly pathogenic event and a large-scale epidemic affecting the human population. It follows the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) in 2003 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in 2012. This new SARS-CoV-2 employs the angiotensin-converting enzyme receptor 2 ( ACE2), as SARS-CoV and is spread mainly in the respiratory tract. The viral spike (S) protein of coronaviruses facilitates cell receptor binding, entry, and membrane fusion. Protein S is a glycoprotein and is essential for eliciting an immune response. Glycosylation is a biologically significant post-translational modification in virus surface proteins. These glucans play an important role in the viral life cycle, structure, immune evasion, and cell infection. However, new information needs to be sought on viral behavior and host immune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The present review analyzes the implications of the glycosylation of the CoV-2 S protein in the SARS-CoV-2 / ACE2 interaction and the immune response. Elucidation of the glucan repertoire in the spike protein may drive research for the development of a suitable vaccine. new information needs to be sought on viral behavior and host immune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The present review analyzes the implications of the glycosylation of the CoV-2 S protein in the SARS-CoV-2 / ACE2 interaction and the immune response. Elucidation of the glucan repertoire in the spike protein may drive research for the development of a suitable vaccine. New information needs to be sought on viral behavior and host immune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The present review analyzes the implications of the glycosylation of the CoV-2 S protein in the SARS-CoV-2 / ACE2 interaction and the immune response. Elucidation of the glucan repertoire in the spike protein may drive research for the development of a suitable vaccine.