Anti-SARS CoV 2 (COVID 19) Membrane antibody [HL1088]

Supplementary info

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

Activity summary

The SARS-CoV-2 M protein also known as membrane protein plays an important mechanical role in the virus's life cycle. It is a small protein with a mass of approximately 25 to 30 kilodaltons. It is expressed on the surface of the virus envelope and is highly conserved among coronaviruses. The M protein is integral to assembling new viral particles and facilitates the virus's ability to maintain its structure. It influences the shape and integrity of the viral envelope by interacting with other viral proteins such as the spike protein and the envelope protein.

Biological function summary

The SARS-CoV-2 membrane protein plays a significant role in the viral infection process. It functions to orchestrate the assembly of new virions by localizing at the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC). The M protein often interacts with the nucleocapsid (N) protein forming a complex essential for packaging viral RNA. This partnership ensures the virus efficiently assembles and buds from the host cell aiding in the sufficient production of infectious particles.

Pathways

The SARS-CoV-2 M protein stands central in viral pathogenesis. It participates in the formation of the viral replication complex within the host cell. The protein interacts with the spike (S) protein facilitating viral entry into the host by enabling the fusion of the viral and cellular membranes through its role in the ERGIC. Additionally the M protein is involved in pathways related to modulating host immune responses often dampening interferon signaling which is important for the host's initial defense against viral infections.

Associated diseases and disorders

The SARS-CoV-2 membrane protein is intimately linked to COVID-19 the disease caused by the virus. This protein along with other structural proteins like the envelope (E) protein contributes to the pathogenicity and virulence of the virus impacting disease severity. The M protein also has associations with immune evasion strategies employed by the virus which may lead to more severe respiratory complications in infected patients. Understanding its interactions with the host immune system and other viral proteins sheds light on developing targeted therapeutics and vaccines against COVID-19.