SARS-CoV-2: phylogenetic status, mutations and therapeutic research based on spike protein

Zhu, Y

OBJECTIVE: The pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a highly transmissible and pathogenic coronavirus, has been representing enormous threats to the world in almost all aspects. S protein recognizing and binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor is the key step of viral infection. This review summarized the structure of S protein, and the difference among members of the coronaviridae, especially the different sites between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV S protein sequences. We reconstructed the phylogenetic tree of 18 coronaviruses based on S protein, and detected the conserved motif. We had a further discussion on various promising antiviral compounds, drugs or approaches for treatment. Considering that various virus mutants are rampant around the world, we introduced some SARS-CoV-2 mutants, which are more contagious and spread fast. It indicates the limitations of wide spectrum therapeutic research. We wish the information provided by this review can be helpful to the global battle against SARS-CoV-2 infection.