Fig. 7: A model for mechano-activation of SARS2-S and its inhibition by a non-RBD-blocking neutralizing antibody targeting S1/S2.
From: Mechanical activation of spike fosters SARS-CoV-2 viral infection
Mechanical force strengthens SARS2 spike binding with host ACE2 receptors and accelerates its S1/S2 detachment to facilitate viral invasion. Impairment of inter-protomer interactions by the D614G variation not only strengthens force-dependent SARS2-S/ACE2 binding, but also accelerates force-induced S1/S2 detachment. S1/S2-locking antibodies stabilize SARS2-S structure and dramatically impede S1/S2 force-induced detachment, neutralizing SARS2.
