Recombinant Human coronavirus MERS Spike glycoprotein (S1) (His tag)

Supplementary information

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

The MERS Spike glycoprotein also known as MERS-S is an important structural component of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). It is a transmembrane protein with an approximate mass of 180 kDa. Spike glycoprotein is expressed on the virion surface and facilitates the virus attachment and entry into host cells by interacting with host cell receptors. This interaction is mechanistic where the protein undergoes a conformational change to mediate membrane fusion leading to viral entry.

Biological function summary

The MERS Spike glycoprotein plays an active role in the infection process of the host. It forms a complex known as a trimer which is essential for the virus’s ability to infect host cells. This protein complex is important for recognizing and binding to the host receptor dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) initiating the process of viral entry into host cells. Because of its pivotal function the MERS Spike glycoprotein is a primary target for developing neutralizing antibodies and vaccines.

Pathways

The entry of MERS-CoV into host cells involves the modulation of endocytic pathways and membrane fusion pathways. The glycoprotein’s interaction with DPP4 activates a cascade of cellular signaling events that facilitate viral endocytosis. Other proteins involved in this pathway include cathepsins which are proteases that assist in activating the spike protein for membrane fusion. These interactions illustrate the spike protein's critical positioning in cellular invasion pathways.

MERS Spike glycoprotein is directly associated with the pathogenesis of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) a severe respiratory illness. The protein’s ability to mediate viral entry through DPP4 interaction links it not only to MERS but also to the progression of inflammation in infected tissues. Understanding the spike glycoprotein's function is important for developing therapeutic strategies to treat or prevent MERS-associated disease.