Parallel profiling of antigenicity alteration and immune escape of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron and other variants

SARS-CoV-2 variants have evolved a variety of critical mutations, leading to antigenicity changes and immune escape. The recent emerging SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant attracted global attention due to its significant resistance to current antibody therapies and vaccines. Here, we profiled the mutations of Omicron and other various circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants in parallel by computational interface analysis and in vitro experimental assays. We identified critical mutations that lead to antigenicity changes and diminished neutralization efficiency of a panel of 14 antibodies due to diverse molecular mechanisms influencing the antigen-antibody interaction. Our study identified that Omicron exhibited extraordinary potency in immune escape compared to the other variants of concern, and explores the application of computational interface analysis in SARS-CoV-2 mutation surveillance and demonstrates its potential for the early identification of concerning variants, providing preliminary guidance for neutralizing antibody therapy.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates that the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 has extraordinary potency in immune escape compared to other variants of concern, posing challenges for current antibody therapies and vaccines. Computational interface analysis is shown to be effective in identifying concerning variants early on, providing preliminary guidance for neutralizing antibody therapy.