|
|
|
|
 |
Volume 11, Issue 2 (Summer- 2025 2025) |
 |
|
|
|
|
Bioinformatic Analysis of the S2 Subunit Structure of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein: Impact of Mutations on Virulence and Pathogenicity Severity, and Exploration of the Potential Role of Probiotics
|
Meisam Akrami   , Maryam Tajabadi ebrahimi , Khosrow Aghaipour Kolyani * , Ashraf Mohammadi , Nakisa Zarrabi Ahrabi |
| 2. Department of Biotechnology, BeheshtAein Laboratory Complex, (MABA) No 193 Jalal Al Ahmad Avenue, Tehran, Iran3. Department of Genomics and Genetic Engineering, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute (RVSRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran |
|
|
Abstract: |
| The SARS-CoV-2 virus enters host cells through its spike (S) protein. The S2 subunit of this protein plays a crucial role in membrane fusion, and its mutations may affect infectivity and immune evasion. This study investigates mutations in the S2 subunit. Genomic data were collected from NCBI and GISAID, and key mutations in Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron variants were analyzed using tools such as Cn3D, SPSS, and Geneious Prime. Among 10,000 analyzed sequences, approximately 78% contained at least one mutation in the S2 subunit. Mutations including D950N, S982A, T716I, and P681R were identified in the C-terminal region of S2, which are likely to induce structural changes (i.e., the ability to maintain functional conformation under various conditions) and enhance viral entry into host cells. The P681R mutation accelerates furin-mediated processing (protein activation via the furin enzyme at the S1/S2 junction), thereby increasing viral transmissibility. These mutations are also associated with improved structural stability of the protein and a reduction in binding free energy (ΔG) by approximately −1.8 kcal/mol. Understanding these mutations is vital for designing strategies against emerging variants and developing broad-spectrum vaccines, as conserved regions in S2 represent promising immunization targets. Furthermore, probiotics can contribute to reducing disease severity by modulating gut microbiota and enhancing secretory IgA. Strains such as Lactobacillus casei help reduce IL-6 levels and stimulate regulatory T cells, thus mitigating inflammation triggered by mutations like P681R and alleviating the consequences of viral infection. |
|
| Keywords: Spike protein, S2 subunit, Viral mutations, Immunology system, Bioinformatics, Infectivity, Probiotic, SARS-COV-2 |
|
|
|
|
Type of Study: Research |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Akrami M, Tajabadi ebrahimi M, Aghaipour Kolyani K, Mohammadi A, Zarrabi Ahrabi N. Bioinformatic Analysis of the S2 Subunit Structure of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein: Impact of Mutations on Virulence and Pathogenicity Severity, and Exploration of the Potential Role of Probiotics. میکروبیولوژی کاربردی در صنایع غذایی 2025; 11 (2) :64-81 URL: http://amfi.ir/article-1-138-en.html
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
