ACE2 glycans preferentially interact with SARS-CoV-2 over SARS-CoV†
Atanu Acharya,Diane L. Lynch,Anna Pavlova,Yui Tik Pang,James C. Gumbart
Chemical Communications Pub Date : 05/18/2021 00:00:00 , DOI:10.1039/D1CC02305E
Abstract

We report a distinct difference in the interactions of the glycans of the host-cell receptor, ACE2, with SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV S–protein receptor-binding domains (RBDs). Our analysis demonstrates that the ACE2 glycan at N322 enhances interactions with the SARS-CoV-2 RBD while the ACE2 glycan at N90 may offer protection against infections of both coronaviruses depending on its composition. The interactions of the ACE2 glycan at N322 with SARS-CoV RBD are blocked by the presence of the RBD glycan at N357 of the SARS-CoV RBD. The absence of this glycosylation site on SARS-CoV-2 RBD may enhance its binding with ACE2.

Graphical abstract: ACE2 glycans preferentially interact with SARS-CoV-2 over SARS-CoV