HCoV-OC43 Spike Protein (E4U6P) Rabbit mAb #16435

Seasonal coronaviruses are a group of viruses that cause mild to moderate upper respiratory tract infections in humans. These viruses are part of the broader coronavirus family, which includes both mild strains and more severe strains like the one responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic (SARS-CoV-2). The most common seasonal coronaviruses include HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-HKU1, and HCoV-OC43. Similar to the others, HCoV-OC43 can cause mild upper respiratory tract infections. It's been known to circulate for a long time and is associated with cold-like symptoms, particularly in the winter months (1).

The HCoV-OC43 spike protein is responsible for recognizing and binding to specific receptors on the surface of host cells. These receptors are believed to be N-acetyl-9-O-acetylneuraminic acid or N-glycolylneuraminic acid. Binding of HCoV-OC43 spike protein to these receptors initiates the process of viral entry into the host cell. After binding to the receptor on the host cell surface, the HCoV-OC43 spike protein undergoes structural changes that facilitate the fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane. This fusion allows the viral genetic material to enter the host cell, initiating the viral replication process (1,2).