Emergence and Expansion of the SARS-CoV-2 Variant B.1.526 Identified in New York.

ABSTRACT: Recent months have seen surges of SARS-CoV-2 infection across the globe with considerable viral evolution^1-3. Extensive mutations in the spike protein may threaten efficacy of vaccines and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies⁴. Two signature mutations of concern are E484K, which plays a crucial role in the loss of neutralizing activity of antibodies, and N501Y, a driver of rapid worldwide transmission of the B.1.1.7 lineage. Here, we report the emergence of variant lineage B.1.526 that contains E484K and its alarming rise to dominance in New York City in early 2021. This variant is partially or completely resistant to two therapeutic monoclonal antibodies in clinical use and less susceptible to neutralization by convalescent plasma or vaccinee sera, posing a modest antig

SUBMITTER: Annavajhala MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7924303 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature