The effect of spike mutations on SARS-CoV-2 neutralization

Chloe Rees-Spear, Luke Muir, Sarah A. Griffith, Judith Heaney, Yoann Aldon, Jonne L. Snitselaar, Peter Thomas, Carl Graham, Jeffrey Seow, Nayung Lee, Annachiara Rosa, Chloe Roustan, Catherine F. Houlihan, Rogier W. Sanders, Ravindra K. Gupta, Peter Cherepanov, Hans J. Stauss, Eleni Nastouli, Katie J. Doores, Marit J. van GilsLaura E. McCoy

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

140 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Multiple severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines show protective efficacy, which is most likely mediated by neutralizing antibodies recognizing the viral entry protein, spike. Because new SARS-CoV-2 variants are emerging rapidly, as exemplified by the B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.1 lineages, it is critical to understand whether antibody responses induced by infection with the original SARS-CoV-2 virus or current vaccines remain effective. In this study, we evaluate neutralization of a series of mutated spike pseudotypes based on divergence from SARS-CoV and then compare neutralization of the B.1.1.7 spike pseudotype and individual mutations. Spike-specific monoclonal antibody neutralization is reduced dramatically; in contrast, polyclonal antibodies from individuals infected in early 2020 remain active against most mutated spike pseudotypes, but potency is reduced in a minority of samples. This work highlights that changes in SARS-CoV-2 spike can alter neutralization sensitivity and underlines the need for effective real-time monitoring of emerging mutations and their effect on vaccine efficacy.

Original languageEnglish
Article number108890
JournalCell reports
Volume34
Issue number12
Early online date2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Mar 2021

Keywords

  • B.1.1.7
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • antibodies
  • immune escape
  • neutralization
  • serology
  • variant

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