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The effect of spike mutations on SARS-CoV-2 neutralization

  • Chloe Rees-Spear
  • , Luke Muir
  • , Sarah A. Griffith
  • , Judith Heaney
  • , Yoann Aldon
  • , Jonne L. Snitselaar
  • , Peter Thomas
  • , Carl Graham
  • , Jeffrey Seow
  • , Nayung Lee
  • , Annachiara Rosa
  • , Chloe Roustan
  • , Catherine F. Houlihan
  • , Rogier W. Sanders
  • , Ravindra K. Gupta
  • , Peter Cherepanov
  • , Hans J. Stauss
  • , Eleni Nastouli
  • , Katie J. Doores
  • , Marit J. van Gils
  • Laura E. McCoy*
*Corresponding author for this work
  • University College London
  • University College London Hospitals, London, UK
  • Amsterdam UMC - University of Amsterdam
  • King's College London
  • The Francis Crick Institute
  • University of Cambridge

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Multiple severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines show protective efficacy, which is most likely mediated by neutralizing antibodies recognizing the viral entry protein, spike. Because new SARS-CoV-2 variants are emerging rapidly, as exemplified by the B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.1 lineages, it is critical to understand whether antibody responses induced by infection with the original SARS-CoV-2 virus or current vaccines remain effective. In this study, we evaluate neutralization of a series of mutated spike pseudotypes based on divergence from SARS-CoV and then compare neutralization of the B.1.1.7 spike pseudotype and individual mutations. Spike-specific monoclonal antibody neutralization is reduced dramatically; in contrast, polyclonal antibodies from individuals infected in early 2020 remain active against most mutated spike pseudotypes, but potency is reduced in a minority of samples. This work highlights that changes in SARS-CoV-2 spike can alter neutralization sensitivity and underlines the need for effective real-time monitoring of emerging mutations and their effect on vaccine efficacy.

Original languageEnglish
Article number108890
JournalCell reports
Volume34
Issue number12
Early online date2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Mar 2021

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

  • B.1.1.7
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • antibodies
  • immune escape
  • neutralization
  • serology
  • variant

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