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. 2021 Jan 15;14(3):209–221. doi: 10.1007/s12195-020-00664-7

Figure 2.

Figure 2

(a) Structure of SARS-CoV-2 illustrating the various structural proteins (S, M, E and N). (b) Stages of SARS-CoV-2 replication in host cells. The S proteins of SARS-CoV-2 enable attachment to host ACE2 receptors. The M proteins are essential in shaping of the virions, influencing membrane curvature, and attachment to the nucleocapsid. The E protein is responsible for virus assembly and release, as well as pathogenesis. The N proteins are repressors of RNA interference and antagonist of interferon. The N proteins attaches to nsp3 proteins to connect the genome to the replication‐transcription complex. They also transform the encapsidated genome into virions.