Virology of SARS-CoV2

The 2019-nCoV RNA genome is highly protected by its unique structure equipped with mechanistic spike proteins on its surface. Its RNA genome contains almost all 14 Orfs encoding for at least 27 proteins. An Orf is a part of genetic material that can undergo translation and produce proteins. Four structural proteins (SPs) likely spike (S), envelope (E), membrane (M), and nucleocapsid (N) are present in 2019- nCoV and afford its structure. In this chapter, we have discussed in detail the virology of 2019-nCoV including structural proteins (SPs), accessory proteins, non-structural proteins (NSPs), genomic structure, and its components. The role of SPs, accessory proteins, NSPs of 2019-nCoV is discussed and this review also explains, how the interaction of 2019-nCoV occurs with that of hACE2. Additionally, topics such as stabilization of virus-binding hotspots on hACE2 by 2019-nCoV, the role of thioldisulfide interchanges in the interplay between 'S' protein and hACE2, and the similarity (in terms of amino acid sequence homology) (%) of 2019-nCoV with SARSCOV are discussed. 

Keywords: Accessory proteins, hACE2, NSPs (non-structural proteins), Orf, RBD, Spike protein, Virology of SARS-COV-2.