Brazil Variant, Brazilian lineage, N501Y mutation of SARS-CoV-2 Spike, SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, 2019-nCoV, COVID-2019, COVID-19, RBD (N501Y), 501.V2, VUI-202012/01, B.1.1.7, B117, UK Variant, UK lineage, B.
The spike (S) glycoprotein of coronaviruses is essential for binding of the virus to the host cell at the beginning of the infection process. The target protein is also a major immunogen and a possible target for entry inhibitors. The SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein is a large type I transmembrane protein composed of two subunits, S1 and S2. The S1 subunit contains a receptor-binding domain (RBD) responsible for binding to the host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Several mutants of the spike protein are known. A new SARS-CoV-2 lineage called 20H/501Y.V2, also known as lineage B.1.351, exhibits several mutations. Compared to the previously circulating variants, the mutation E484K of SARS-CoV-2 Spike S1 (RBD) may affect neutralization by some polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. Furthermore, the mutation N501Y may influence the binding affinity of the spike protein to hACE2. Therefore, the N501Y mutation is considered the most dangerous modification of the virus resulting in a higher transmissibility.
