The role of membrane complexity in the early entry stages of SARS-CoV-2 variants

Other conference contribution, 2023

The highest density of mutations in SARS-CoV-2 variants is located on the spike glycoprotein (S), which is responsible for receptor ACE2 engagement. This suggests that SARS-CoV-2 is evolving to optimize viral entry. Several molecular studies report differences in the affinity between isolated S and ACE2 among variants. However, overall ACE2 affinity poorly correlates with the increased infectivity of recent variants. We address this discrepancy by considering the virus interaction with the whole plasma membrane and study the role of avidity and membrane complexity in modulating virus-host binding. To this end, we employ an in-vitro model system combining single-particle tracking and native supported lipid bilayers (nSLBs) made from lung epithelial cells. As virion mimics, we developed S-decorated liposomes that allow for direct comparison between variants and BSL-1 handling. Sliposome interaction with nSLBs showed a significant increase in avidity for Omicron compared to Delta and Wuhan strains. Further, using single-molecule force spectroscopy, we reveal a higher affinity for Omicron and Delta S to sensor immobilise heparan sulfate (HS). Our results indicate a shift in the variants’ attachment strategy towards more efficient use of coreceptors and the role of HS as an initial docking site that facilitates virus accumulation at the membrane and ACE2 engagement.