The Spike of SARS-CoV-2: Uniqueness and Applications

• Main Authors: Ranjith Kumavath, Debmalya Barh, Bruno Silva Andrade, Madangchanok Imchen, Flavia Figueira Aburjaile, Athira Ch, Diego Lucas Neres Rodrigues, Sandeep Tiwari, Khalid J. Alzahrani, Aristóteles Góes-Neto, Marianna E. Weener, Preetam Ghosh, Vasco Azevedo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2021-07-01
• Series: Frontiers in Immunology
• Subjects: SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; spike protein; mutations; diagnostics; drugs
• Online Access: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.663912/full

The Spike (S) protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is critical for its ability to attach and fuse into the host cells, leading to infection, and transmission. In this review, we have initially performed a meta-analysis of keywords associated with the S protein to frame the outline of important research findings and directions related to it. Based on this outline, we have reviewed the structure, uniqueness, and origin of the S protein of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, the interactions of the Spike protein with host and its implications in COVID-19 pathogenesis, as well as drug and vaccine development, are discussed. We have also summarized the recent advances in detection methods using S protein-based RT-PCR, ELISA, point‐of‐care lateral flow immunoassay, and graphene-based field-effect transistor (FET) biosensors. Finally, we have also discussed the emerging Spike mutants and the efficacy of the Spike-based vaccines against those strains. Overall, we have covered most of the recent advances on the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and its possible implications in countering this virus.