The role and ancestry of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein glycan shield
The role and ancestry of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein glycan shield The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein is a class I fusion glycoprotein responsible for interacting with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor on the surface of human cells, enabling cell entry. It is the primary target of both natural and vaccine-acquired neutralizing antibodies. The spike protein is coated in a thick glycan shield that plays a role in target site recognition, towards both the ACE2 receptor and neutralizing antibodies, and in conformational stability, mod...
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