A systematic mutation analysis of 13 major SARS-CoV-2 variants

• DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199392
• Publication Date: 2024-05-15T03:35:31Z
• Authors: Han Bai; Xuan Zhang; Tian Gong; Junpeng Ma; Peng Zhang; Zeqiong Cai; Doudou Ren; Chengsheng Zhang
• Keywords: Infectivity; Immune escape; Transmissibility (structural dynamics)

SARS-CoV-2 evolves constantly with various novel mutations. Due to their enhanced infectivity, transmissibility and immune evasion, a comprehensive understanding of the association between these mutations respective functional changes is crucial. However, previous mutation studies major variants remain limited. Here, we performed systematic analyses full-length amino acids mutation, phylogenetic features, protein physicochemical properties, molecular dynamics escape as well pseudotype virus infection assays among thirteen variants. We found that Omicron exhibited most abundant complex sites, higher indices hydrophobicity flexibility than other The results simulation suggest has highest number hydrogen bonds strongest binding free energy S ACE2 receptor. Furthermore, revealed 10 sites in 13 variants, some them were reported previously, but four which (i.e. 339/373/477/496) are first be specific Omicron, whereas 462 Epslion. infectivity was confirmed by assays. Our findings may help us understand consequences within underlying mechanisms escapes conferred proteins.