Antibody evasion and receptor binding of SARS-CoV-2 LP.8.1.1, NB.1.8.1, XFG, and related subvariants.

ABSTRACT: SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, causing waves of infections. It is critical to understand the features of the virus that explain its growth advantages. Recently, SARS-CoV-2 Omicron JN.1 subvariants KP.3.1.1 and XEC were outcompeted by LP.8.1 and LP.8.1.1. Other subvariants, including LF.7.2.1 and MC.10.1, were also under monitoring. Subsequently, NB.1.8.1 and XFG became dominant. We found that serum neutralizing antibody titers against LP.8.1, LP.8.1.1, LF.7, LF.7.2.1, and MC.10.1 were similar to XEC in 40 adults, including KP.2 monovalent mRNA vaccine recipients. NB.1.8.1 and XFG were more evasive of serum neutralization than LP.8.1.1. Neutralization by 12 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) revealed that LP.8.1 and XFG, MC.10.1 and NB.1.8.1, and LF.7.2.1 evade different mAb classes. Lastly, the

SUBMITTER: Mellis IA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12723667 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature