SARS-CoV-2 501Y.V2 escapes neutralization by South African COVID-19 donor plasma

Substitutions in SARS-CoV-2 spike protein present in the B.1.351 variant first detected in South Africa, when expressed in pseudoviruses, mediate escape from neutralization by monoclonal antibodies under clinical development and by plasma from individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, but do not prevent binding of convalescent plasma to recombinant spike protein containing B.1.351 lineage substitutions. SARS-CoV-2 501Y.V2 (B.1.351), a novel lineage of coronavirus causing COVID-19, contains substitutions in two immunodominant domains of the spike protein. Here, we show that pseudovirus expressing 501Y.V2 spike protein completely escapes three classes of therapeutically relevant antibodies. This pseudovirus also exhibits substantial to complete escape from neutralization, but not binding, by convalescent plasma. These data highlight the prospect of reinfection with antigenically distinct variants and foreshadows reduced efficacy of spike-based vaccines.

Automated summary

The SARS-CoV-2 virus in the B.1.351 variant discovered in South Africa can evade neutralization by most antibodies when expressed, but does not affect binding by convalescent plasma. This suggests the potential for reinfection with antigenically distinct variants and predicts reduced efficacy of spike-based vaccines.