LAUSR

Dear Editor The spike (S) protein is a homotrimer on the SARS‐CoV‐2 surface which targets the angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐2 in humans (ACE2). The Spike (S) coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) protein is a major driving force for viral infectivity and antigenicity. Several mutations of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein have been found and their effects are explored in the evasion of the immune system and increased transmission due to increased disease and death. Spike (S) proteins are of key interest to scientists from pathogenic and epidemiological points of view. In the new study, the tyrosine‐protein kinase receptor UFO (AXL) was found to bind specifically to SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike (S) protein. AXL overexpression facilitated viral entrance to the same extent that ACE2 overexpression did in HEK293T cells (Human embryonic kidney cells). AXL inhibition, but not ACE2 inhibition, dramatically decreased SARS‐CoV‐2 infection of lung cells. In cells producing high amounts of AXL, soluble human recombinant AXL but not ACE2 inhibited SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Taken together, these findings imply that AXL is a unique host receptor that interacts with the N‐terminal domain (NTD) of SARS‐CoV‐2 Spike (S), facilitating the virus's entrance into human cells. Since the antibody‐mediated protection depends on the target antigen structure, any mutation causing the target