Human coronavirus spike protein-host receptor recognition

A variety of coronaviruses (CoVs) have infected humans and caused mild to severe respiratory diseases that could result in mortality. The human CoVs (HCoVs) belong to the genera of α- and β-CoVs that originate in rodents and bats and are transmitted to humans via zoonotic contacts. The binding of viral spike proteins to the host cell receptors is essential for mediating fusion of viral and host cell membranes to cause infection. The SARS-CoV-2 originated in bats (RaTG13 SARS-CoV) and is transmitted to humans via pangolins. The presence of 'PRRA' sequence motif in SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins from human, dog, cat, mink, tiger and lion suggests a common viral entry mechanism into host cells. In this review, we discuss structural features of HCoV spike proteins and recognition of host protein and carbohydrate receptors.