Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus enters cells through the activities of a spike protein (S) which has receptor-binding (S1) and membrane fusion (S2) regions. We have characterized four sequential states of a purified recombinant S ectodomain (S-e) comprising S1 and the ectodomain of S2. They are S-e monomers, uncleaved S-e trimers, cleaved S-e trimers, and dissociated S1 monomers and S2 trimer rosettes. Lowered pH induces an irreversible transition from flexible, L-shaped S-e monomers to clove-shaped trimers. Protease cleavage of the trimer occurs at the S1-S2 boundary; an ensuing S1 dissociation leads to a major rearrangement of the trimeric S2 and to formation of rosettes likely to represent clusters of elongated, postfusion trimers of S2 associated through their fusion peptides. The states and transitions of S suggest conformational changes that mediate viral entry into cells.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
MeSH terms
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
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Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry
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Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
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Membrane Glycoproteins / chemistry*
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Membrane Glycoproteins / metabolism
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Membrane Glycoproteins / ultrastructure
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Microscopy, Electron
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Multiprotein Complexes / chemistry*
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Multiprotein Complexes / metabolism
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Multiprotein Complexes / ultrastructure
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Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / chemistry*
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Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / metabolism
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Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / ultrastructure
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Protein Binding
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Protein Folding
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Protein Structure, Quaternary*
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Protein Structure, Tertiary
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Receptors, Virus / chemistry
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Receptors, Virus / metabolism
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Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
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Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
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Recombinant Proteins / ultrastructure
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Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus / physiology
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Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
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Viral Envelope Proteins / chemistry*
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Viral Envelope Proteins / metabolism
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Viral Envelope Proteins / ultrastructure
Substances
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Cross-Linking Reagents
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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Multiprotein Complexes
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Receptors, Virus
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Recombinant Proteins
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Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
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Viral Envelope Proteins
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Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2