SARS-CoV-2 binding to ACE2 is enhanced with heparan sulfate acting as an adhesion receptor
(A) PyMOL rendering of the crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 spike including the receptor-binding domain bound to ACE2 receptor. Heparin binding sites are highlighted in yellow in the RBD region of SARS-CoV-2. (PDB ID: 6M0J).
(B) Graphical depiction of the binding and internalization of SARS-CoV-2.
(C) Graphical depiction of proposed activation of the complement cascade. Viral uptake results in activation of the canonical and alternative complement pathways which contribute to the pathology of viral infection in various tissues. For additional details, please refer to the text. Panels (B and C) were generated with BioRender.com.