The spike protein of SARS-CoV--a target for vaccine and therapeutic development

Nat Rev Microbiol. 2009 Mar;7(3):226-36. doi: 10.1038/nrmicro2090. Epub 2009 Feb 9.

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a newly emerging infectious disease caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-coronavirus (SARS-CoV). The SARS-CoV spike (S) protein is composed of two subunits; the S1 subunit contains a receptor-binding domain that engages with the host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and the S2 subunit mediates fusion between the viral and host cell membranes. The S protein plays key parts in the induction of neutralizing-antibody and T-cell responses, as well as protective immunity, during infection with SARS-CoV. In this Review, we highlight recent advances in the development of vaccines and therapeutics based on the S protein.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / immunology
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / chemistry
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / immunology
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / physiology*
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / metabolism
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / pathology
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / prevention & control*
  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome / therapy*
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus* / chemistry
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus* / drug effects
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus* / genetics
  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus* / physiology
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / chemistry
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / immunology
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / physiology*
  • Viral Vaccines* / immunology
  • Virus Internalization

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • Viral Envelope Proteins
  • Viral Vaccines
  • spike glycoprotein, SARS-CoV
  • spike protein, mouse hepatitis virus
  • Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A
  • ACE2 protein, human
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2