Emergence and expansion of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.526 after identification in New York.

ABSTRACT: SARS-CoV-2 infections have surged across the globe in recent months, concomitant with considerable viral evolution^1-3. Extensive mutations in the spike protein may threaten the efficacy of vaccines and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies⁴. Two signature spike mutations of concern are E484K, which has 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 the variant lineage B.1.526 (also known as the Iota variant⁵), which contains E484K, and its rise to dominance in New York City in early 2021. This variant is partially or completely resistant to two therapeutic monoclonal antibodies that are in clinical use and is less susceptible to neutra

SUBMITTER: Annavajhala MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8481122 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature