Structural insight into the role of novel SARS-CoV-2 E protein: A potential target for vaccine development and other therapeutic strategies

PLoS One. 2020 Aug 12;15(8):e0237300. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0237300. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

The outbreak of COVID-19 across the world has posed unprecedented and global challenges on multiple fronts. Most of the vaccine and drug development has focused on the spike proteins and viral RNA-polymerases and main protease for viral replication. Using the bioinformatics and structural modelling approach, we modelled the structure of the envelope (E)-protein of novel SARS-CoV-2. The E-protein of this virus shares sequence similarity with that of SARS- CoV-1, and is highly conserved in the N-terminus regions. Incidentally, compared to spike proteins, E proteins demonstrate lower disparity and mutability among the isolated sequences. Using homology modelling, we found that the most favorable structure could function as a gated ion channel conducting H+ ions. Combining pocket estimation and docking with water, we determined that GLU 8 and ASN 15 in the N-terminal region were in close proximity to form H-bonds which was further validated by insertion of the E protein in an ERGIC-mimic membrane. Additionally, two distinct "core" structures were visible, the hydrophobic core and the central core, which may regulate the opening/closing of the channel. We propose this as a mechanism of viral ion channeling activity which plays a critical role in viral infection and pathogenesis. In addition, it provides a structural basis and additional avenues for vaccine development and generating therapeutic interventions against the virus.

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus / chemistry*
  • Betacoronavirus / isolation & purification
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Computer Simulation
  • Coronavirus Envelope Proteins
  • Coronavirus Infections / prevention & control*
  • Coronavirus Infections / virology
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Models, Molecular
  • Pandemics / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / prevention & control*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / virology
  • Point Mutation
  • Protein Conformation
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Structural Homology, Protein
  • Vaccines, Attenuated
  • Vaccines, Inactivated
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / chemistry*
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / genetics*
  • Viral Envelope Proteins / immunology
  • Viral Vaccines
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Coronavirus Envelope Proteins
  • Vaccines, Attenuated
  • Vaccines, Inactivated
  • Viral Envelope Proteins
  • Viral Vaccines
  • envelope protein, SARS-CoV-2
  • Water
  • Hydrogen

Grants and funding

The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.