How Do Point Mutations Enhancing the Basic Character of the RBDs of SARS-CoV-2 Variants Affect Their Transmissibility and Infectivity Capacities?

ABSTRACT: The spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants in the population depends on their ability to anchor the ACE2 receptor in the host cells. Differences in the electrostatic potentials of the spike protein RBD (electropositive/basic) and ACE2 receptor (electronegative/acidic) play a key role in both the rapprochement and the recognition of the coronavirus by the cell receptors. Accordingly, point mutations that result in an increase in electropositively charged residues, e.g., arginine and lysine, especially in the RBD of spike proteins in the SARS-CoV-2 variants, could contribute to their spreading capacity by favoring their recognition by the electronegatively charged ACE2 receptors. All SARS-CoV-2 variants that have been recognized as being highly transmissible, such as the kappa (κ), delta (δ) and omic

SUBMITTER: Barre A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9031512 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature