Broad ultra-potent neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 variants by monoclonal antibodies specific to the tip of RBD

Article Allergy

In vitro data suggest that Indian delta variant B.1.617 of SARS-CoV-2 escapes neutralization by both receptor affinity and immune evasion

Gilles Augusto et al.

Summary: The study found that newly emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants have higher affinity for the ACE2 receptor and are able to partially bypass immunity generated against the wild-type virus, resulting in increased transmissibility.

ALLERGY (2022)

Add to Collection

Article Infectious Diseases

Two-step strategy for the identification of SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern 202012/01 and other variants with spike deletion H69-V70, France, August to December 2020

Antonin Bal et al.

Summary: The study reported the strategy leading to the first detection of the variant of concern 202012/01 (VOC) in France, by screening for mutations such as Delta H69/Delta V70 associated with VOC and identifying co-occurring mutations like S:N501Y.

EUROSURVEILLANCE (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Infectious Diseases

Characterization of the emerging B.1.621 variant of interest of SARS-CoV-2

Katherine Laiton-Donato et al.

Summary: The emergence of the B.1.621 lineage, considered a variant of interest (VOI), with substitutions affecting the Spike protein, has the potential to impact the epidemiology of the virus. In cities near theoretical herd immunity, this lineage has rapidly increased in frequency, indicating a possible epidemiologic impact. Further studies are needed to assess the biological and epidemiologic roles of the substitutions found in the B.1.621 lineage.

INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants escape neutralization by vaccine-induced humoral immunity

Wilfredo F. Garcia-Beltran et al.

Summary: New variants of SARS-CoV-2 show high resistance to vaccine neutralization, with some able to escape vaccine responses with just a few mutations, highlighting the importance of developing broadly protective measures against variants.

CELL (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Evidence of escape of SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.351 from natural and vaccine-induced sera

Daming Zhou et al.

Summary: The race to develop vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.1, is ongoing as these variants have mutations in the spike protein, potentially leading to immune escape. A structure-function analysis of B.1.351 revealed tighter ACE2 binding and widespread evasion from monoclonal antibody neutralization, particularly driven by the E484K mutation.

CELL (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Microbiology

Identification of SARS-CoV-2 spike mutations that attenuate monoclonal and serum antibody neutralization

Zhuoming Liu et al.

Summary: The study found that antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein have escape mutations, different monoclonal antibodies have unique resistance profiles, some mutants are resistant to multiple antibodies while some variants can escape neutralization by convalescent sera. Comparing antibody-mediated mutations with circulating SARS-CoV-2 sequences revealed substitutions that may weaken neutralizing immune responses in some individuals, warranting further investigation.

CELL HOST & MICROBE (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 to mRNA vaccine-elicited antibodies

Dami A. Collier et al.

Summary: The B.1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2 exhibited reduced neutralization by vaccines and antibodies from recovered COVID-19 patients, with a more substantial loss seen when introducing the E484K mutation. This mutation poses a threat to the efficacy of the BNT162b2 vaccine.

NATURE (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Antibody resistance of SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.351 and B.1.1.7

Pengfei Wang et al.

Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had global repercussions, with promising vaccines and monoclonal antibody therapies. However, newly detected variants of SARS-CoV-2 present challenges to these treatment options.

NATURE (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Resistance of SARS-CoV-2 variants to neutralization by monoclonal and serum-derived polyclonal antibodies

Rita E. Chen et al.

Summary: The study analyzed antibody neutralization activity against a panel of authentic isolates and chimeric SARS-CoV-2 variants, showing significantly reduced neutralizing activity against the B.1.351 variant first identified in South Africa. Antibodies targeting the receptor-binding domain and N-terminal domain, monoclonal antibodies, convalescent sera, and mRNA vaccine-induced immune sera exhibited decreased inhibitory activity against viruses with an E484K spike mutation, suggesting a need for updated monoclonal antibodies or vaccine adjustments to prevent loss of protection against emerging variants.

NATURE MEDICINE (2021)

Add to Collection

Review Immunology

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Impact in Global Vaccination Programs against SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19

Carmen Elena Gomez et al.

Summary: SARS-CoV-2 variants with higher transmissibility and mutations in the spike protein have direct implications on infection rates and resistance to antibodies. These variants have significant impacts on medical countermeasures and human health.

VACCINES (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Early introductions and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 in the United States

Tara Alpert et al.

Summary: The study found that the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant primarily spread in the United States through ports of entry in New York, California, and Florida, with multiple independent establishments starting in early December 2020 and interstate spread by the end of the month. It is projected that B.1.1.7 will become the dominant lineage in many states by mid- to late March, highlighting the urgent need to enhance genomic surveillance.

CELL (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.351 and P.1 escape from neutralizing antibodies

Markus Hoffmann et al.

Summary: The emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants may exhibit resistance to existing neutralizing antibodies and treatments, which could have significant implications for pandemic containment efforts.

CELL (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Antibody evasion by the P.1 strain of SARS-CoV-2

Wanwisa Dejnirattisai et al.

Summary: Ending the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic requires global vaccination. New virus strains with mutations impact antibody responses, but some variants are less resistant than others. A monoclonal antibody can neutralize different variants and partially restore neutralization potency for other public antibodies.

CELL (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Assessing transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 in England

Erik Volz et al.

Summary: Genetic and testing data from England indicate that the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 has a transmission advantage over other lineages, showing a rapid expansion during autumn 2020. Analysis of S gene target failures (SGTF) in community-based diagnostic PCR testing suggests that B.1.1.7 is more transmissible than non-variant of concern lineages and has a significant transmission advantage, with a reproduction number 50% to 100% higher. Additionally, cases of B.1.1.7 appear to include a larger share of under 20-year-olds compared to non-variant cases.

NATURE (2021)

Add to Collection

Editorial Material Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

SARS-CoV-2 escaped natural immunity, raising questions about vaccines and therapies

Emanuele Andreano et al.

Summary: While SARS-CoV-2 is capable of evading natural immune responses, the question remains whether the virus can escape monoclonal antibodies and vaccine-induced immunity.

NATURE MEDICINE (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Efficacy of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Covid-19 Vaccine against the B.1.351 Variant

S. A. Madhi et al.

Summary: The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine did not provide significant protection against mild-to-moderate Covid-19 caused by the B.1.351 variant, with an efficacy of 10.4%. The incidence of serious adverse events was balanced between the vaccine and placebo groups.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Reduced neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 by vaccine and convalescent serum

Chang Liu et al.

Summary: Recent study examined the neutralizing ability of monoclonal antibodies, convalescent and vaccine sera against the Indian variants B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2, showing that the neutralization of these variants is reduced compared to the ancestral strains, without widespread antibody escape as seen in other variants like B.1.351.

CELL (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Virology

Genomic analysis reveals a rapid spread and predominance of lambda (C.37) SARS-COV-2 lineage in Peru despite circulation of variants of concern

Carlos Padilla-Rojas et al.

Summary: The pandemic caused by SARS-Cov-2 has hit South America hard, with new variants raising concerns over evasion of vaccine protection, increased transmissibility, or higher virulence. Genomic surveillance in Peru revealed a significant rise of the lambda lineage, becoming predominant from January to April 2021, warranting close monitoring for potential variant of concern status.

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2021)

Add to Collection

Editorial Material Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

The reproductive number of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 is far higher compared to the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 virus

Ying Liu et al.

Summary: The Delta variant is rapidly replacing other strains of SARS-CoV-2, with a higher R-0 value of 5.08 compared to the ancestral strain's 2.79. Increasing vaccine coverage and strengthening public health measures are now more urgent than ever to control the spread of the virus.

JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Reduced sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 variant Delta to antibody neutralization

Delphine Planas et al.

Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 Delta variant, first identified in India in 2020, has become dominant in some regions and is spreading to many countries. This variant shows resistance to certain monoclonal antibodies and antibodies in convalescent sera, as well as reduced neutralization by some COVID-19 vaccines. Administration of two doses of the vaccine is needed for a neutralizing response against the Delta variant.

NATURE (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Immunogenicity of Ad26.COV2.S vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 variants in humans

Galit Alter et al.

Summary: The Ad26.COV2.S vaccine has shown clinical efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19, including the B.1.351 variant, but there is uncertainty regarding its immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2 variants. The study found that neutralizing antibody responses were reduced against the B.1.351 and P.1 variants, while non-neutralizing antibody responses and T cell responses were largely preserved against SARS-CoV-2 variants.

NATURE (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

BNT162b2-elicited neutralization of B.1.617 and other SARS-CoV-2 variants

Jianying Liu et al.

Summary: Serum samples from individuals vaccinated with the BNT162b2 vaccine can neutralize various SARS-CoV-2 variants, indicating mass immunization as a central strategy to end the global COVID-19 pandemic.

NATURE (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

In vivo monoclonal antibody efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variant strains

Rita E. Chen et al.

Summary: Cell culture experiments showed reduced or abrogated neutralizing activity of monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variant strains, but low prophylactic doses of antibody combinations protected against infection in vivo without resistance emergence. Higher doses of several monoclonal antibody cocktails also provided protection against viruses with a B.1.351 spike gene in vivo. Many antibody products with Emergency Use Authorization should therefore retain substantial efficacy against prevailing variant strains of SARS-CoV-2.

NATURE (2021)

Add to Collection

Review Microbiology

SARS-CoV-2 variants, spike mutations and immune escape

William T. Harvey et al.

Summary: The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has been characterized by the emergence of mutations and variants that impact virus characteristics. Manufacturers are preparing for possible updates to vaccines in response to changes in the virus population, and it is crucial to monitor genetic and antigenic changes alongside experiments to understand the impacts of mutations.

NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

SARS-CoV-2 escape from a highly neutralizing COVID-19 convalescent plasma

Emanuele Andreano et al.

Summary: Research suggests that SARS-CoV-2 has the potential to generate variants resistant to neutralizing antibodies, and computational modeling predicts that these variants may prevent binding of neutralizing antibodies. Therefore, the development of vaccines and antibodies capable of controlling emerging variants is crucial.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Structural basis for enhanced infectivity and immune evasion of SARS-CoV-2 variants

Yongfei Cai et al.

Summary: The study found that the B.1.1.7 variant has increased receptor binding affinity, while the B.1.351 variant has developed resistance to some neutralizing antibodies by reshaping antigenic surfaces on the spike protein.

SCIENCE (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Cell Biology

SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.617 is resistant to bamlanivimab and evades antibodies induced by infection and vaccination

Markus Hoffmann et al.

Summary: The emergence of the B.1.617 variant in India may be responsible for the sharp increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths. B.1.617 shows increased efficiency in entering cells and evades antibody responses, contributing to its rapid spread.

CELL REPORTS (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Mosaic nanoparticles elicit cross-reactive immune responses to zoonotic coronaviruses in mice

Alexander A. Cohen et al.

Summary: The study developed nanoparticles displaying the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 and other animal coronaviruses, which induced cross-reactive antibody responses in mice. Immunization with mosaic RBD nanoparticles resulted in superior neutralization of heterologous viruses, providing a potential strategy for simultaneous protection against multiple coronaviruses.

SCIENCE (2021)

Add to Collection

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology