Molecular recognition and attachment of viruses to host cells: A quantum mechanics perspective

Abstract:  Networks of non-covalent interactions are responsible for molecular recognition and initial attachment of virus particles to either the glycans coating receptors and cellular walls, or directly to the receptors, events that trigger the viral infectious cycles. These interactions are fully characterized by theoretical methods firmly rooted in the formalism of quantum mechanics taking as subject cases the Zika virus and several mutations of SARS-COV-2. We will discuss how the change in the nature and strength of these interactions has deep implications in the molecular evolution of the bonding fragments that produce more contagious variants, better equipped to handle the evolution pressure in  highly complex physiological environments.