spike protein meaning

The spiking protein, often associated with the coronavirus, plays a crucial role in the virus’s ability to infect host cells. These proteins form “spikes” on the virus’s surface, enabling it to bind to human cell receptors, such as the ACE2 receptor, facilitating viral entry. This protein is a primary target for vaccines and therapies, as it triggers an immune response, leading to the production of antibodies that neutralize the virus. Understanding spiking protein functions is key to developing measures against viruses like SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19.