Function
The viral spike protein (Spi) binds the virus to its host cell via the cell's receptor: angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The trimeric 2019-nCoV Spi binds to ACE2 at least 10 times more tightly than SARS coronavirus [1].
Disease
Numerous viral diseases are causing world-shattering consequences and the current pandemic of CoVID-2019 is the recent one.
Relevance
The spike protein is a key target for potential therapies and diagnostics. Various antibodies are currently being tested as potential CoVID-2019 antiviral treatment[2].
Structural highlights
The SARS-CoV Spi receptor binding domain complex with its cellular receptor - ACE2 - shows the interactions (shown for one of the two monomers) to ACE2 "hot spot"[3].