Structure of a SARS-CoV-2 spike S2 subunit

Development of immunogens that promote broad and durable SARS-CoV-2 variants immunity is essential as more and more new variants of the virus emerge.

S2 fusion subunit of the virus is conserved among coronavirus spike proteins but needs S1 subunit for the stable conformation.

The researchers in this stabilize a SARS-CoV-2 spike S2 subunit to remain pre-fusion in the absence of S1.

Antibodies from survivors and vaccinees recognize stabilized S2 and full spike alike and yielded a high-resolution cryoEM structure of pre-fusion S2 in an ‘‘open’’ conformation reminiscent of previously proposed ‘‘breathing’’ adjustments.

Thus, this structure study could advance next-generation “booster” immunogens. 

https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(25)00823-X

https://sciencemission.com/Structure-of-a-SARS-CoV-2-spike-S2-subunit