Structural basis for SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein recognition by 14-3-3 proteins

14-3-3 proteins are important dimeric scaffolds that regulate the function of hundreds of proteins in a phosphorylation-dependent manner. The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein forms a complex with human 14-3-3 proteins upon phosphorylation, which has also been described for other coronaviruses. Here, we report a high-resolution crystal structure of 14-3-3 bound to an N phosphopeptide bearing the phosphoserine 197 in the middle. The structure revealed two copies of the N phosphopeptide bound, each in the central binding groove of each 14-3-3 monomer. A complex network of hydrogen bonds and water bridges between the peptide and 14-3-3 was observed explaining the high affinity of the N protein for 14-3-3 proteins.