Spike protein of SARS-COV-2 as a potential target for phytochemical constituents: A literature review

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 belongs to well-known SARS Coronaviridae family. One of the main structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 is the spike protein that is present around the surface of a viral cell and plays an essential role in viral attachment, fusion and invasion in host cell. Once a virus invades a cell, it replicates and infects other cells. The fundamental role of spike protein in the progression of viral infection has led to an increased interest in exploring agents that target the viral spike protein for effective control of CoVID-19. The related data from published articles reviewed and numerous phytochemicals that reportedly target the spike proteins of coronaviruses by computational studies briefly discussed. These active constituents possess the potential to develop as therapeutic and antiviral agents against SARS-CoV-2.