January 5, 2021

Comprehensive Mapping of Mutations to the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor-Binding Domain That Affect Recognition by Polyclonal Human Serum Antibodies

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Vaccines and Immunity

Keywords (Tags): immunity, vaccines

[Pre-print, not peer reviewed] Mutations in three main epitopes of the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) affect neutralizing activity of convalescent polyclonal serum. Mutations that affect neutralizing activity usually occur at only a few sites and mutations occurring at the E484 site had the largest average effect with a >10 fold reduction in the neutralization activity from some donors. This mutation has been described in recent lineages from South Africa. Of note, the authors found substantial variation in the impact of mutations on the neutralization potential of polyclonal serum both between individuals and within the same individual over time. No mutations eliminated neutralization.

Greaney et al. (Jan 4, 2021). Comprehensive Mapping of Mutations to the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor-Binding Domain That Affect Recognition by Polyclonal Human Serum Antibodies. Pre-print downloaded Jan 5 from https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.12.31.425021