Spike mutation D614G alters SARS-CoV-2 fitness

Abstract

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Spike Glycoprotein-Mediated Entry of SARS Coronaviruses

“…In addition, a functional comparison of the S protein bearing D614 and the S protein bearing G614 with pseudotyped retroviruses revealed that the D614G mutation reduces S1 shedding and enhances the infectivity [47]. Recently, a study on an experimentally engineered D614G SARS-CoV-2 reported similar observations in animal models [48].…”

Epidemic trends of SARS-CoV-2 associated with immunity, race, and viral mutations

“…Clades G, GR, and GH share the Spike: D614G mutation, which increases viral infectivity. 6,7 Therefore, these results suggest that the N: RG203KR/ORF14: G50N mutation in Clade GR and the ORF3a: Q57H mutation in Clade GH reduced the virulence of the Spike: D614G variant.…”

“…In areas where adequate protective immunity has been established, COVID-19 by G614 virus may become less severe because of the tendency of the G614 virus to be neutralized by antibodies. 7 The N type virus seems to be prevalent only in Australia so far. This epidemic pattern may be due to the Southern Hemisphere being in the winter season.…”

“…5b), consistent with increased viral infectivity. 6,7 In the early epidemics in China, the S type was the main type in areas other than Wuhan. 17 Due to the large number of Chinese workers working in Africa, the virus may have been introduced early.…”

“…Subsequent papers have revealed that this mutation also increases infectivity of the virus. 6,7 However, while Fermi estimates are useful for predicting the future in situations where timely action is required, it is known that differences in assumptions and inference methods can cause considerable errors in conclusions. In this study, "genetic fingerprinting" 8 was adopted for the epidemiological analyses of the current state of the pandemic.…”