4.7 Review

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and potential intervention approaches

Related references

Note: Only part of the references are listed.
Article Virology

Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 mutations in Mexico, Belize, and isolated regions of Guatemala and its implication in the diagnosis

Teresa Hernandez-Huerta Maria et al.

Summary: The study analyzed mutations in the genomic sequences of SARS-CoV-2 in Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala, finding several variants related to a more infectious strain of the virus, potentially leading to increased spread in these countries and impacting diagnosis.

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Spike mutation D614G alters SARS-CoV-2 fitness

Jessica A. Plante et al.

Summary: The D614G substitution in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein enhances viral replication and infectivity in human lung epithelial cells, primary airway tissues, and hamsters. This variant may increase transmission in the upper respiratory tract and doesn't seem to significantly reduce vaccine efficacy. Further research on therapeutic antibodies targeting the circulating G614 virus is recommended.

NATURE (2021)

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)

Article Infectious Diseases

Analysis of the potential impact of genomic variants in global SARS-CoV-2 genomes on molecular diagnostic assays

Abhinav Jain et al.

Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 epidemic originating from Wuhan rapidly evolved into a global pandemic, highlighting the importance of molecular detection using RT-PCR, although mutations in the viral genome could impact the accuracy of detection assays. The analysis of global SARS-CoV-2 genomes identified multiple genetic variants that could affect the effectiveness of diagnostic primers and probes.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Structure of SARS-CoV-2 ORF8, a rapidly evolving immune evasion protein

Thomas G. Flower et al.

Summary: The crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 was determined at 2.04-angstrom resolution by X-ray crystallography, revealing unique dimerization interfaces that may allow the protein to form large-scale assemblies, potentially mediating immune suppression and evasion activities.

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

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Prospective mapping of viral mutations that escape antibodies used to treat COVID-19

Tyler N. Starr et al.

Summary: Research has found that mutations in the receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 may potentially escape the action of the REGN-COV2 cocktail, providing important information for interpreting mutations observed during viral surveillance.

SCIENCE (2021)

Review Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology

Perspective on therapeutic and diagnostic potential of camel nanobodies for coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19)

Salma Bessalah et al.

Summary: Nanobodies, as a revolutionary therapy for COVID-19, have the potential to guide drug discovery efforts. Their small size and strong antigen affinity make them effective in treating and preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection, controlling disease transmission and development.

3 BIOTECH (2021)

Article Chemistry, Analytical

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 and Its Mutated Variants via CRISPR-Cas13-Based Transcription Amplification

Yuxi Wang et al.

Summary: The detection method using light-up CRISPR-Cas13 technology can sensitively and accurately detect SARS-CoV-2 and its mutated variants, with high specificity and sensitivity, allowing for strict discrimination of key mutations.

ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (2021)

Article Microbiology

Genomic monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 uncovers an Nsp1 deletion variant that modulates type I interferon response

Jing-wen Lin et al.

Summary: This study utilized an integrative approach to analyze mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, identifying 35 recurrent variants of clinical importance, with one variant associated with severe clinical phenotypes. The findings suggest that mutations in Nsp1 may have implications for molecular diagnostics and drug design.

CELL HOST & MICROBE (2021)

Letter Medicine, General & Internal

Emergence of a Novel SARS-CoV-2 Variant in Southern California

Wenjuan Zhang et al.

Summary: The research focused on sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of SARS-CoV-2 isolates from symptomatic patients at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center in November-December 2020, providing insights into a surge in cases and hospitalizations during that period.

JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (2021)

Editorial Material Virology

Will the emergent SARS-CoV2 B.1.1.7 lineage affect molecular diagnosis of COVID-19?

Juan D. Ramirez et al.

Summary: As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect global public health systems, mutations in the SARS-CoV2 genome are being observed. The emergence of the B.1.1.7 lineage in the UK has raised concerns among global authorities due to potential challenges it may pose to diagnostic testing. Efforts must be made to closely monitor SARS-CoV-2 genomes for variants that could impact testing accuracy and lead to false negative results.

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2021)

Article Urology & Nephrology

A Novel Soluble ACE2 Variant with Prolonged Duration of Action Neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Human Kidney Organoids

Jan Wysocki et al.

Summary: A novel ACE2 variant has been developed that can neutralize SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in human kidney organoids, with prolonged duration of action and potential for improved efficacy.

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

SARS-CoV-2 spike D614G change enhances replication and transmission

Bin Zhou et al.

Summary: Research has shown that the D614G substitution in the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 leads to increased binding and replication potential in humans, as well as significantly higher replication and transmissibility in different animal models, providing an explanation for the global prevalence of this variant in the COVID-19 pandemic.

NATURE (2021)

Letter Medicine, General & Internal

Serum Neutralizing Activity Elicited by mRNA-1273 Vaccine

Kai Wu et al.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2021)

Letter Medicine, General & Internal

Neutralizing Activity of BNT162b2-Elicited Serum

Yang Liu et al.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2021)

Article Virology

Inhibitors of endosomal acidification suppress SARS-CoV-2 replication and relieve viral pneumonia in hACE2 transgenic mice

Chao Shang et al.

Summary: This study found that endosomal acidification inhibitors, including chloroquine, bafilomycin A1, and NH4Cl, significantly reduced the viral yields of SARS-CoV-2 in various cell lines and in a transgenic mouse model. These inhibitors also improved cell viability post-infection and alleviated viral pneumonia in mice, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits in treating COVID-19.

VIROLOGY JOURNAL (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Targeting androgen regulation of TMPRSS2 and ACE2 as a therapeutic strategy to combat COVID-19

Qu Deng et al.

Summary: The study suggests a potential role of androgen in SARS-CoV-2 infection by regulating ACE2 and TMPRSS2 transcription. Camostat, a TMPRSS2 inhibitor, blocks the cleavage of SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, providing evidence of TMPRSS2's direct role in viral fusion to host cells. Androgen-deprivation, anti-androgens, or camostat attenuate SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry, highlighting the importance of TMPRSS2 inhibitors and androgen-deprivation therapy in preventing COVID-19 progression.

ISCIENCE (2021)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Transmission, infectivity, and neutralization of a spike L452R SARS-CoV-2 variant

Xianding Deng et al.

Summary: A new SARS-CoV-2 variant named B.1.427/B.1.429 was identified in California, with increased transmissibility and carrying three mutations in spike protein, including L452R substitution. The variant emerged in May 2020 and became predominant in sequenced cases from September 2020 to January 2021. In vivo viral shedding was increased and antibody neutralization decreased, calling for further investigation.
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)

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)

Review Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Antiviral peptides against Coronaviridae family: A review

Hamid Heydari et al.

Summary: The Coronaviridae family comprises various viruses infecting humans, causing significant public health and economic burdens. With increasing viral resistance, the development of new drugs and vaccines becomes challenging. Antiviral peptides, as a type of antiviral drugs, show broad-spectrum activity and minimal side effects, offering promising therapeutic potential.

PEPTIDES (2021)

Article Virology

Transmission dynamics and evolutionary history of 2019-nCoV

Xingguang Li et al.

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2020)

Article Virology

The first two cases of 2019-nCoV in Italy: Where they come from?

Marta Giovanetti et al.

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2020)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

A new coronavirus associated with human respiratory disease in China

Fan Wu et al.

NATURE (2020)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Structural basis for the recognition of SARS-CoV-2 by full-length human ACE2

Renhong Yan et al.

SCIENCE (2020)

Letter Medicine, General & Internal

Open access epidemiologic data and an interactive dashboard to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak in Canada

Isha Berry et al.

CANADIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL (2020)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Development of CRISPR as an Antiviral Strategy to Combat SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza

Timothy R. Abbott et al.

Article Medicine, Research & Experimental

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 mutation hot spots include a novel RNA-dependent-RNA polymerase variant

Maria Pachetti et al.

JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE (2020)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Structural basis of receptor recognition by SARS-CoV-2

Jian Shang et al.

NATURE (2020)

Editorial Material Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Making Sense of Mutation: What D614G Means for the COVID-19 Pandemic Remains Unclear

Nathan D. Grubaugh et al.

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Use of Whole Genome Sequencing Data for a First in Silico Specificity Evaluation of the RT-qPCR Assays Used for SARS-CoV-2 Detection

Mathieu Gand et al.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES (2020)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Presence of mismatches between diagnostic PCR assays and coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 genome

Kashif Aziz Khan et al.

ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE (2020)

Article Microbiology

Analytical sensitivity and efficiency comparisons of SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR primer-probe sets

Chantal B. F. Vogels et al.

NATURE MICROBIOLOGY (2020)

Review Pharmacology & Pharmacy

COVID-19 update: The race to therapeutic development

Julianne D. Twomey et al.

DRUG RESISTANCE UPDATES (2020)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Engineering human ACE2 to optimize binding to the spike protein of SARS coronavirus 2

Kui K. Chan et al.

SCIENCE (2020)

Article Infectious Diseases

Emergence of genomic diversity and recurrent mutations in SARS-CoV-2

Lucy van Dorp et al.

INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION (2020)

Article Cell Biology

Evasion of Type I Interferon by SARS-CoV-2

Hongjie Xia et al.

CELL REPORTS (2020)

Article Virology

Temporal signal and the phylodynamic threshold of SARS-CoV-2

Sebastian Duchene et al.

VIRUS EVOLUTION (2020)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

SARS-CoV-2 spike-protein D614G mutation increases virion spike density and infectivity

Lizhou Zhang et al.

NATURE COMMUNICATIONS (2020)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

SARS-CoV-2 D614G variant exhibits efficient replication ex vivo and transmission in vivo

Yixuan J. Hou et al.

SCIENCE (2020)

Article Infectious Diseases

Evolutionary dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 accessory gene

Filipe Pereira

INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION (2020)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

The mechanism of resistance to favipiravir in influenza

Daniel H. Goldhill et al.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (2018)

Editorial Material Infectious Diseases

GISAID: Global initiative on sharing all influenza data - from vision to reality

Yuelong Shu et al.

EUROSURVEILLANCE (2017)

Article Endocrinology & Metabolism

ACE and ACE2 activity in diabetic mice

Jan Wysocki et al.

DIABETES (2006)