"The spikes on the SARS-CoV-2 virus are coated in sugars, known as glycans, which they use to disguise themselves from the human immune system."
https://www.technology.org/2021/07/13/study-shows-laboratory-developed-protein-spikes-consistent-with-covid-19-virus/
"Like many viral proteins, the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein has a thick coat of glycans on its surface. These glycans, which are attached at specific sites, help shield the viral proteins from the host immune system."
https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-discover-sugar-molecules-in-sars-cov-2-coronavirus-spike-protein-play-active-role-in-infection/
"the spike isn't simply a protein but a 'glycoprotein' covered in carbohydrate sugars."
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jvchamary/2020/05/04/coronavirus-vaccine-sugar-shield/?sh=38d00736726b
"Sugar-like molecules called glycans coat each of the 65-odd spike proteins that adorn the coronavirus. Glycans account for about 40 percent of the spike protein by weight. The spike proteins are critical to cell infection because they lock onto the cell surface, giving the virus entry into the cell."
https://phys.org/news/2020-06-sugar-coating-coronavirus-infection.html