Atomic-Resolution Structure of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein N-Terminal Domain

Abstract

The nucleocapsid (N) protein is one of the four structural proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and plays a crucial role in viral genome organization and, hence, replication and pathogenicity. The N-terminal domain (N^NTD) binds to the genomic RNA and thus comprises a potential target for inhibitor and vaccine development. We determined the atomic-resolution structure of crystalline N^NTD by integrating solid-state magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR and X-ray diffraction. Our combined approach provides atomic details of protein packing interfaces as well as information about flexible regions as the N- and C-termini and the functionally important RNA binding, β-hairpin loop. In addition, ultrafast (100 kHz) MAS ¹H-detected experiments permitted the assignment of side-chain proton chemical shifts not available by other means. The present structure offers guidance for designing therapeutic interventions against the SARS-CoV-2 infection.