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…

• EC
  European Commission

  Award: 758224
• FD
  Fonds De La Recherche Scientifique - FNRS

  Award: CR-2019S-01
• CS
  China Scholarship Council