An ectodomain is the
domain
Domain may refer to:
Mathematics
*Domain of a function, the set of input values for which the (total) function is defined
**Domain of definition of a partial function
**Natural domain of a partial function
**Domain of holomorphy of a function
* Do ...
of a
membrane
A membrane is a selective barrier; it allows some things to pass through but stops others. Such things may be molecules, ions, or other small particles. Membranes can be generally classified into synthetic membranes and biological membranes. B ...
protein
Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, respo ...
that extends into the
extracellular
This glossary of biology terms is a list of definitions of fundamental terms and concepts used in biology, the study of life and of living organisms. It is intended as introductory material for novices; for more specific and technical definitions ...
space (the space outside a
cell
Cell most often refers to:
* Cell (biology), the functional basic unit of life
Cell may also refer to:
Locations
* Monastic cell, a small room, hut, or cave in which a religious recluse lives, alternatively the small precursor of a monastery ...
). Ectodomains are usually the parts of proteins that initiate contact with surfaces, which leads to
signal transduction
Signal transduction is the process by which a chemical or physical signal is transmitted through a cell as a series of molecular events, most commonly protein phosphorylation catalyzed by protein kinases, which ultimately results in a cellula ...
.A notable example of an ectodomain is the S protein, commonly known as the spike protein, of the viral particle responsible for the
COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identif ...
. The ectodomain region of the spike protein (S) is essential for attachment and eventual entry of the viral protein into the host cell.
Ectodomains play a crucial part in the signaling pathways of viruses. Recent findings have indicated that certain antibodies including the anti-receptor binding domain (anti-RBD) or anti-spike ectodomain (anti-ECD) IgG titers can act as virus neutralization titers (VN titers) which can be identified in individuals with diseases, dyspnea and hospitalizations. In perspective of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) these specific ectodomains may detect antibody efficacy against SARS-Cov-2, in which VN titers can classify eligible plasma donors. Protective measures against diseases and respiratory conditions can further be advanced through ongoing research on ectodomains. Ectodomain's play a crucial part in the signaling pathways of viruses. In perspective of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) these specific ectodomains may detect antibody efficacy against SARS-Cov-2, in which VN titers can classify eligible plasma donors. Protective measures against diseases and respiratory conditions can further be advanced through ongoing research on ectodomains.
Ectodomains also interact with membrane systems inducing vesicle aggregation, lipid mixing and liposome leakage which provides information as to how certain viruses spread infection throughout the cellular domain. Specifically, the hepatitis C virus (HCV) utilize a fusion process in which the ectodomain of HCV E2 envelope protein confers fusogenic properties to membrane systems implying HCV infection proceeds throughout the cell through receptor mediated endocytosis. These findings in the role of the ectodomains interacting with target membranes give insight into virus destabilization and mechanism of the fusion of viral and cellular membrane which is yet to be further characterized.
See also
*
Ectodomain shedding Angiogenesis is the process of forming new blood vessels from existing blood vessels. It is a highly complex process involving extensive interplay between cells, soluble factors, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Angiogenesis is critical during n ...
References
Protein domains
Protein structure
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