Which receptor on human cells is used by SARS-CoV-2 to enter the cell?

Which receptor on human cells is used by SARS-CoV-2 to enter the cell?

• A. DPP4
• B. Nectin-1
• C. ACE2
• D. CD46

Answer: (C)

Viral entry hinges on receptor binding—SARS-CoV-2 specifically uses the ACE2 receptor on human cells. The spike protein on the virus binds ACE2, and this interaction is the crucial first step that allows the virus to attach and begin entry. After binding, host proteases such as TMPRSS2 prime the spike protein to fuse the viral envelope with the cell membrane or to trigger endocytosis, letting the viral genome enter the cell. The other receptors listed (DPP4, Nectin-1, CD46) are used by other pathogens, not by SARS-CoV-2, so ACE2 is the correct match. The distribution of ACE2 in different tissues helps explain where the virus tends to infect, such as the respiratory tract and other organs.

Viral entry hinges on receptor binding—SARS-CoV-2 specifically uses the ACE2 receptor on human cells. The spike protein on the virus binds ACE2, and this interaction is the crucial first step that allows the virus to attach and begin entry. After binding, host proteases such as TMPRSS2 prime the spike protein to fuse the viral envelope with the cell membrane or to trigger endocytosis, letting the viral genome enter the cell. The other receptors listed (DPP4, Nectin-1, CD46) are used by other pathogens, not by SARS-CoV-2, so ACE2 is the correct match. The distribution of ACE2 in different tissues helps explain where the virus tends to infect, such as the respiratory tract and other organs.