Anti-MERS-CoV Spike glycoprotein antibody [abd146]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

The MERS-CoV Spike glycoprotein also known as MERS-CoV S protein serves as an essential element for viral entry into host cells. It has a molecular mass of approximately 135 kDa and is expressed on the surface of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). This glycoprotein facilitates the attachment of the virus to the host cell receptor specifically the dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) initiating the fusion process required for viral entry.

Biological function summary

The Spike glycoprotein of MERS-CoV enables the virus to penetrate host cellular membranes. It functions as a trimeric complex where each monomer consists of two functional subunits S1 and S2. The S1 subunit contains the receptor-binding domain while the S2 subunit is responsible for membrane fusion. The coordination of these activities allows the virus to successfully infect host cells and propagate within the infected organism.

Pathways

The MERS-CoV Spike glycoprotein plays a vital role in the viral entry and fusion pathways. It interacts with the host receptor DPP4 allowing the virus to exploit the host's endosomal and fusion pathways for cellular entry. The S2 subunit's fusion peptide cooperates with other viral proteins such as the viral envelope proteins to enable the fusion of viral and cellular membranes influencing the viral replication cycle significantly.

Associated diseases and disorders

The MERS-CoV Spike glycoprotein is closely associated with MERS a severe respiratory illness. The interaction of this glycoprotein with DPP4 is central to the pathogenesis of MERS facilitating the virus's ability to infect human hosts and cause disease. Furthermore this glycoprotein's ability to mutate plays a role in the variability of viral infectivity and virulence posing challenges for vaccine and therapeutic developments.