Spike protein意思

"Spike protein" is a term used in virology to describe a specific type of protein found on the surface of some viruses. These proteins are named for their distinctive shape, which resembles a spike when viewed under an electron microscope. The spike protein plays a crucial role in the infection process of these viruses, allowing them to attach to host cells and begin the process of entering and infecting the cell.

The spike protein is particularly well-known for its role in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S protein) binds to a receptor called ACE2 on the surface of human cells, facilitating the virus's entry into the cell. Vaccines against COVID-19, such as the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, work by teaching the body's immune system to recognize and target the spike protein, thereby preventing the virus from infecting cells.