Site-specific characterization of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein receptor-binding domain

Glycobiology. 2021 Apr 1;31(3):181-187. doi: 10.1093/glycob/cwaa085.

Abstract

The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the infective agent causing COVID-19, is having a global impact both in terms of human disease as well as socially and economically. Its heavily glycosylated spike glycoprotein is fundamental for the infection process, via its receptor-binding domains interaction with the glycoprotein angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 on human cell surfaces. We therefore utilized an integrated glycomic and glycoproteomic analytical strategy to characterize both N- and O- glycan site-specific glycosylation within the receptor-binding domain. We demonstrate the presence of complex-type N-glycans with unusual fucosylated LacdiNAc at both sites N331 and N343 and a single site of O-glycosylation on T323.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2; glycoproteomics; mass spectrometry; spike glycoprotein.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 / chemistry
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 / metabolism
  • Binding Sites / genetics
  • COVID-19 / metabolism
  • COVID-19 / virology*
  • Carbohydrate Conformation
  • Carbohydrate Sequence
  • Glycomics
  • Glycosylation
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Host Microbial Interactions
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
  • Proteomics
  • Receptors, Virus / chemistry
  • Receptors, Virus / metabolism
  • Recombinant Proteins / chemistry
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • SARS-CoV-2* / chemistry
  • SARS-CoV-2* / genetics
  • SARS-CoV-2* / metabolism
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / chemistry*
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / genetics
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptors, Virus
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2
  • ACE2 protein, human
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2