Molecular Aspects of Spike–ACE2 Interaction

A new betacoronavirus (CoV-2) is responsible for the pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) that began in China at end 2019, today known as COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Subsequent studies confirmed human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) main cell receptor spike trimeric glycoprotein, located on viral envelope, mediating CoV-2 invasion into host cells through receptor-binding domain (RBD) spike. Computational analysis experimental 3D structures spike–ACE2 complexes evidenced distinguishing features molecular interactions RBD-cell binding interface between and previous CoV-1. The represents a key target drug design well an optimal antigen RNA/viral vector vaccines monoclonal antibodies order to maximize prevention therapy COVID-19.