AUTHOR=Kumavath Ranjith , Barh Debmalya , Andrade Bruno Silva , Imchen Madangchanok , Aburjaile Flavia Figueira , Ch Athira , Rodrigues Diego Lucas Neres , Tiwari Sandeep , Alzahrani Khalid J. , Góes-Neto Aristóteles , Weener Marianna E. , Ghosh Preetam , Azevedo Vasco TITLE=The Spike of SARS-CoV-2: Uniqueness and Applications JOURNAL=Frontiers in Immunology VOLUME=12 YEAR=2021 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.663912 DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2021.663912 ISSN=1664-3224 ABSTRACT=

The Spike (S) protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is critical for its ability to attach and fuse into the host cells, leading to infection, and transmission. In this review, we have initially performed a meta-analysis of keywords associated with the S protein to frame the outline of important research findings and directions related to it. Based on this outline, we have reviewed the structure, uniqueness, and origin of the S protein of SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, the interactions of the Spike protein with host and its implications in COVID-19 pathogenesis, as well as drug and vaccine development, are discussed. We have also summarized the recent advances in detection methods using S protein-based RT-PCR, ELISA, point‐of‐care lateral flow immunoassay, and graphene-based field-effect transistor (FET) biosensors. Finally, we have also discussed the emerging Spike mutants and the efficacy of the Spike-based vaccines against those strains. Overall, we have covered most of the recent advances on the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and its possible implications in countering this virus.