Pathogenicity, virological features, and immune evasion of SARS-CoV-2 JN.1-derived variants including JN.1.7, KP.2, KP.3, and KP.3.1.1.

ABSTRACT: KP.3.1.1 became a dominant successor to JN.1 by the second half of 2024 but the intrinsic pathogenicity and virological feature of KP.3.1.1 remain incompletely understood. Here, we comprehensively evaluated the pathogenesis and characteristics of KP.3.1.1 in comparison to JN.1 and other JN.1-derived variants including JN.1.7, KP.2, and KP.3. The unique S31del mutation on KP.3.1.1 spike confers further evasion to the clinically authorized mAb Pemivibart and reduces convalescent serum neutralization efficiency. Structural analysis indicates that S31del induces novel glycosylation sites that facilitates evasion of neutralizing antibodies. We further reveal that S31del significantly enhances pseudovirus entry efficiency in all evaluated cell types including the human primary nasal epithelial c

SUBMITTER: Shi J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12699034 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature