Atypical N-glycosylation of SARS-CoV-2 impairs the efficient binding of Spike-RBM to the human-host receptor hACE2

Gámez, Gustavo; Hermoso, Juan A.; Carrasco-López, César; Gómez-Mejia, Alejandro; Muskus, Carlos E.; Hammerschmidt, Sven

SARS-CoV-2 internalization by human host cells relies on the molecular binding of its spike glycoprotein (SGP) to the angiotensin-converting-enzyme-2 (hACE2) receptor. It remains unknown whether atypical N-glycosylation of SGP modulates SARS-CoV-2 tropism for infections. Here, we address this question through an extensive bioinformatics analysis of publicly available structural and genetic data. We identified two atypical sequons (sequences of N-glycosylation: NGV 481-483 and NGV 501-503), strategically located on the receptor-binding motif (RBM) of SGP and facing the hACE2 receptor. Interestingly, the cryo-electron microscopy structure of trimeric SGP in complex with potent-neutralizing antibodies from convalescent patients revealed covalently-linked N-glycans in NGV 481-483 atypical sequons. Furthermore, NGV 501-503 atypical sequon involves the asparagine-501 residue, whose highly-transmissible mutation N501Y is present in circulating variants of major concerns and affects the SGP-hACE2 binding-interface through the well-known hotspot-353. These findings suggest that atypical SGP post-translational modifications modulate the SGP-hACE2 binding-affinity affecting consequently SARS-CoV-2 transmission and pathogenesis.