Structural and functional insights into the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 KP.3.1.1 spike protein.

ABSTRACT: The JN.1-sublineage KP.3.1.1 recently emerged as the globally prevalent SARS-CoV-2 variant, demonstrating increased infectivity and antibody escape. We investigate how mutations and a deletion in the KP.3.1.1 spike protein (S) affect hACE2 binding and antibody escape. Mass spectrometry confirms a new glycan site at residue N30 that alters the glycoforms at neighboring N61. Cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures show that the N30 glycan and rearrangement of adjacent residues do not significantly change the overall spike structure, up-down ratio of receptor-binding domains (RBDs), or hACE2 binding. Furthermore, a KP.3.1.1 S with hACE2 structure further confirms an epistatic effect between F456L and Q493E on hACE2 binding. Our analysis shows that SARS-CoV-2 variants that emerged after l

SUBMITTER: Feng Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12404242 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature