The SARS-CoV1 Spike Glycoprotein is a key target for vaccines, therapeutic antibodies, and diagnostics. Biologic Models designed this 3D printed protein model of the SARS-CoV1 Receptor Binding Domain 5X58 to help research scientists and the general public better understand the binding properties of the Spike Glycoprotein and how it compares to other Coronavirus Spike Glycoproteins.
SARS-CoV-1 Receptor Binding Domain 5X58
The Receptor Binding Domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein (PDB ID: 5X58 seen below) is the apex of the Spike that reaches out and binds ACE2 Receptors. It is characterized by a Binding motif (dark green) that localizes most of the SARS-CoV1 residues that interact with ACE2 residues. Targeting these residues with Neutralizing Antibodies is a proven strategy to inhibit viral infection. Furthermore, mutations to these residues may dramatically change how the virus interacts with ACE2 or worse, evade immune responses.