Impact of new variants on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and neutralization: A molecular assessment of the alterations in the spike-host protein interactions

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants necessitates rational assessment of their impact on the recognition and neutralization of the virus by the host cell. We present a comparative analysis of the interactions of Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants with cognate molecules (ACE2 and/or furin), neutralizing nanobodied (Nbs), and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) using in silico methods, in addition to Nb-binding assays. Our study elucidates the molecular origin of the ability of Beta and Delta variants to evade selected antibodies, such as REGN10933, LY-CoV555, 638, C105, or H11-H4, while being insensitive to others including REGN10987. Experiments confirm that nanobody Nb20 retains neutralizing activity against the Delta variant. The substitutions T473K and L452R in the Delta variant enhance associations with ACE2, whereas P681R promotes recognition by proteases, thus facrlating viral entry. The Ab-specific responses of variants highlights how full-atomic structure and dynamics analyses are required for assessing the response to newly emerging variants.

Automated summary

In this study, the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 variants (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and Delta) and host cells, as well as the impact on neutralizing antibodies, were investigated using computational methods and experimental assays. It was found that certain antibodies were ineffective against Beta and Delta variants, while others remained sensitive. Specific substitutions in the Delta variant enhanced binding to host cells and recognition by proteases, facilitating viral entry.