Story thread · 2 reports / 1 sources

Two spike 'keys' work together to let SARS-CoV-2 enter cells, study reveals

phys.org · 2hShare

To enter cells, the COVID-19 virus fuses its surrounding membrane with the membrane of the target cell. This is where the fusion peptides of the spike protein come into play. These regions function as molecular keys that allow the virus to open the door to the target cell and initiate fusion between the two membranes.

First report: Structural study explains how cells stabilize protective membrane pockets — phys.org, 3d