In the previous press release on Variants of SARS-CoV-2, we have discussed the Importance of the spike protein and its applications in the studies aiming to develop vaccines and therapies. We also go to understand that D614 G substitution in the spike glycoprotein has recently been identified as the most prevalent strain of SARS-CoV-2. Now let’s focus on what exactly is a Spike Protein.

The presence of Spike proteins is one of the key biological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, as well as several other viruses to penetrate host cells and cause infection. The RNA genome of coronaviruses is the longest among all RNA viruses with a median length of 29 kb comprised of six to ten open reading frames (ORFs) that are responsible for encoding both the replicase and structural proteins for the virus.

Coronavirus viral envelopes typically consist of three proteins, including the membrane protein (M), the envelope protein (E) and the spike protein (S). The S protein is a highly glycosylated and large type I transmembrane fusion protein that is made up of 1,160 to 1,400 amino acids, playing a crucial role in penetrating host cells and initiating infection. S proteins of coronaviruses can be further classified into N-terminal S1 subunit, which forms of the globular head of the S protein and the C-terminal S2 that forms the stalk of the protein.

Diagnostic Pathology: Open Access is collecting manuscripts all over the globe on COVID-19 to endorse the advancement of current knowledge pertaining to clinical studies and scientific investigations and foster discussion in all the relevant aspects of Pathology such as Immunopathology, Virtual Pathology, Tissue based Diagnosis, Immunohistochemistry, Diagnostic Pathology of Infectious Diseases.

We have also announced a Special Issue on “Therapeutic Applications in COVID-19” acknowledging the significance in the Global Scientific Community. The Special Issue is being edited by our honourable Executive Editorial Chair Person Dr. Maria Teresa Mascellino. The Submissions are Open!

Regards,

Matthew Richard
Diagnostic Pathology: Open Access
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