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Sci Adv . Single-molecule imaging reveals allosteric stimulation of SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain by host sialic acid

tetano

Editor, Senior Moderator
Sci Adv


. 2024 Jul 19;10(29):eadk4920.
doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adk4920. Epub 2024 Jul 17. Single-molecule imaging reveals allosteric stimulation of SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain by host sialic acid

Marco A Díaz-Salinas[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Aastha Jain[SUP] 1 [/SUP], Natasha D Durham[SUP] 1 [/SUP], James B Munro[SUP] 1 2 [/SUP]



Affiliations
Abstract

Conformational dynamics of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike glycoprotein (S) mediate exposure of the binding site for the cellular receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The N-terminal domain (NTD) of S binds terminal sialic acid (SA) moieties on the cell surface, but the functional role of this interaction in virus entry is unknown. Here, we report that NTD-SA interaction enhances both S-mediated virus attachment and ACE2 binding. Through single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer imaging of individual S trimers, we demonstrate that SA binding to the NTD allosterically shifts the S conformational equilibrium, favoring enhanced exposure of the ACE2-binding site. Antibodies that target the NTD block SA binding, which contributes to their mechanism of neutralization. These findings inform on mechanisms of S activation at the cell surface.


 
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