Ready, set, fuse! the coronavirus spike protein and acquisition of fusion competence

Taylor Heald-Sargent, Tom Gallagher*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

255 Scopus citations

Abstract

Coronavirus-cell entry programs involve virus-cell membrane fusions mediated by viral spike (S) proteins. Coronavirus S proteins acquire membrane fusion competence by receptor interactions, proteolysis, and acidification in endosomes. This review describes our current understanding of the S proteins, their interactions with and their responses to these entry triggers. We focus on receptors and proteases in prompting entry and highlight the type II transmembrane serine proteases (TTSPs) known to activate several virus fusion proteins. These and other proteases are essential cofactors permitting coronavirus infection, conceivably being in proximity to cell-surface receptors and thus poised to split entering spike proteins into the fragments that refold to mediate membrane fusion. The review concludes by noting how understanding of coronavirus entry informs antiviral therapies.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)557-580
Number of pages24
JournalViruses
Volume4
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2012

Keywords

  • Angiotensin converting enzyme 2
  • Carcinoembryonic antigen
  • Cathepsin
  • Coronavirus
  • Endocytosis
  • Membrane fusion
  • Spike protein
  • Transmembrane protease
  • Viral pathogenesis
  • Virus entry

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

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