Covid-19 Research Tools
The Sars-Cov-2/nCov/COVID-19 spike protein (S) facilitates its entry to the target cells. S protein consists of two subunits, S1 and S2. The spike S1 subunit contains Receptor Binding Domain (RBD), which facilitates viral attachment to a cell surface receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The viral entry also requires spike protein S2 of the S protein for fusion of viral and cellular membranes. COVID-19 uses ACE2 as the entry receptor. The initial spike protein priming by transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) is essential for entry and viral spread of SARS-CoV-2 through interaction with the ACE2 receptor. The antibody against RBD can interfere with binding of virus to the surface ACE2 receptor, thus preventing viral entry in to the cell. Blocking TMPRSS2 with inhibitors like Camostat (mesylate) and E-64d is also an option for inhibition of viral entry. Nucleocapsid (N) protein has multiple functions involving nuclear-import signal, interfering cell process, virus replication and RNA package. In addition, nucleocapsid protein is highly immunogenic and abundantly expressed during infection, which makes it an ideal candidate for raising neutralizing antibodies and diagnostic applications.
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