Molecular interaction and inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 binding to the ACE2 receptor.

Study of the interactions established between the viral glycoproteins and their host receptors is of critical importance for a better understanding of virus entry into cells. The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells is mediated by its spike glycoprotein (S-glycoprotein), and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been identified as a cellular ...
receptor. Here, we use atomic force microscopy to investigate the mechanisms by which the S-glycoprotein binds to the ACE2 receptor. We demonstrate, both on model surfaces and on living cells, that the receptor binding domain (RBD) serves as the binding interface within the S-glycoprotein with the ACE2 receptor and extract the kinetic and thermodynamic properties of this binding pocket. Altogether, these results provide a picture of the established interaction on living cells. Finally, we test several binding inhibitor peptides targeting the virus early attachment stages, offering new perspectives in the treatment of the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Mesh Terms:
A549 Cells, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2, Betacoronavirus, Binding Sites, COVID-19, Coronavirus Infections, Humans, Models, Molecular, Pandemics, Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A, Pneumonia, Viral, Protein Binding, Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs, Receptors, Virus, SARS-CoV-2, Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus, Virus Attachment, Virus Internalization
Nat Commun
Date: Sep. 11, 2020
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