Illustration of a SARS-CoV-2 virus particle (virion) showing the ectodomains of its spike (S) proteins. The S proteins bind to receptors on cell surfaces to infect them and are targeted for vaccine development. Each S protein is composed of three identical chains that form a complex inside the virus, a membrane-spanning segment and a large ectodomain that extends outward from the virus. The outer S1 fragment (red) binds to cellular receptors, while the S2 fragment (yellow) directs fusion of the virus with the cell. S proteins are glycoproteins, which means that their ectodomains are covered with sugars that help to mask the virus from the immune system. SARS-CoV-2 causes the respiratory disease Covid-19. | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Clarivan, Carlos |
Bildgröße: | 4800 px × 4800 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: | - |