Evolution of increased positive charge on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein may be adaptation to human transmission

• DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106230
• Publication Date: 2023-02-18T07:33:12Z
• Authors: Matthew Cotten; My V.T. Phan
• Keywords: 0301 basic medicine; 03 medical and health sciences; Virology; Science; Q; Evolutionary biology; Article; 3. Good health

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to evolve and infect individuals. The exterior surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virion is dominated by the spike protein, and the current work examined spike protein biochemical features that have changed during the 3 years in which SARS-CoV-2 has infected humans. Our analysis identified a striking change in spike protein charge, from -8.3 in the original Lineage A and B viruses to -1.26 in most of the current Omicron viruses. We conclude that in addition to immune selection pressure, the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has also altered viral spike protein biochemical properties, which may influence virion survival and promote transmission. Future vaccine and therapeutic development should also exploit and target these biochemical properties.