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

Abstract

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants in different continents is causing a major concern in human global health. These variants have in common a higher transmissibility, becoming dominant within populations in a short time, and an accumulation of a high number of mutations in the spike (S) protein, especially within the amino terminal domain (NTD) and the receptor binding domain (RBD). These mutations have direct implications on virus infection rates through higher affinity of S RBD for the cellular angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) receptor. There are also signs of enhanced virulence, re-infection frequency, and increased resistance to the action of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies from convalescence sera and in vaccinated individuals in regions where the variants spread dominantly. In this review, we describe the different SARS-CoV-2 variants that have thus far been identified in various parts of the world with mutational changes and biological properties as well as their impact in medical countermeasures and human health.

Notable and Emerging Variants of SARS-CoV-2 Virus: A Quick Glance

“…Functional effect of this variant on infectivity, antigenicity and disease severity of SARS-CoV-2 is ambiguous. Lineage B.1.525: This lineage was first identified in United Kingdom during December 2020 and contains four mutations viz Q677H, F888L, E484K, and Q52R in spike protein [ 44 ] Lineage B.1.617: This lineage was first identified at Maharashtra state of India in October 2020 during second wave surge. It possesses common novel mutations viz E484Q, L452R, P681R, D111D, D614G, and G142D in receptor binding domain of spike protein; amongst these E484Q, L452R, and P681R mutations are major circulatory variants and area of concern Each of the three mutations are in furin cleavage site and might accelerate S1-S2 cleavage, binding affinity of virus to ACE2 receptor, that leads to superior transmissibility [ 45 ].…”

“…Lineage B.1.525: This lineage was first identified in United Kingdom during December 2020 and contains four mutations viz Q677H, F888L, E484K, and Q52R in spike protein [ 44 ]…”

Rapid and simultaneous identification of three mutations by the Novaplex™ SARS-CoV-2 variants I assay kit

“…As of April 13, 2021, WHO has listed three VOCs: B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.1, named the UK variant, South Africa variant, and Brazil/Japan variant, respectively, after the places where they were first identified [2] . Among the various mutations emerging in SARS-CoV-2, those in the spike (S) protein, specifically the H69/V70 deletion and E484K N501Y substitution mutations, are important because the S protein is involved in infectivity to host cells via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and the main target of neutralizing antibodies induced by vaccines [3] . All three VOCs listed above harbor the N501Y mutation; B.1.1.7 harbors an additional H69/V70 deletion; and the other two, the E484K substitution mutation.…”

“…All three VOCs listed above harbor the N501Y mutation; B.1.1.7 harbors an additional H69/V70 deletion; and the other two, the E484K substitution mutation. Each mutation alone and in combination determines the phenotypic features of the variants, such as transmissibility and severity of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and vaccine effectiveness [ 3 , 4 ]. Therefore, prompt differentiation of the SARS-CoV-2 variants is critical to monitor the epidemic situation in the community and to perform adequate infection control and patient care.…”

Rapid and simultaneous identification of three mutations by the Novaplex™ SARS-CoV-2 Variants I Assay kit

“…All three VOCs listed above harbor the N501Y mutation; B.1.1.7 harbors an additional H69/V70 deletion; and the other two, the E484K substitution mutation. Each mutation alone and in combination determines the phenotypic features of the variants, such as transmissibility and severity of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and vaccine effectiveness [3,4]. Therefore, prompt differentiation of the SARS-CoV-2 variants is critical to monitor the epidemic situation in the community and to perform adequate infection control and patient care.…”