April 23, 2021

Detection and Characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 Lineage B.1.526 in New York

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Geographic Spread

Keywords (Tags): geographic spread

• [Pre-print, not peer-reviewed] By February 2021, the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.526 lineage accounted for approximately 32% of 3,288 sequenced genomes from specimens collected in New York City. The lineage was first sequenced in November, 2020, when it accounted for less than 1% of sequenced genomes in the city. Using the Variant Database software, the authors noted that the sub-clade of this lineage, defined by the E484K mutation in the receptor binding domain of the spike protein, has outpaced the growth of other circulating variants in the area. Experiments with a pseudovirus containing spike protein mutations associated with this lineage showed more resistance to neutralization via plasma from convalescent and vaccinated individuals compared to the D614G lineage.

West et al. (Jan 1, 2021). Detection and Characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 Lineage B.1.526 in New York. BioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.02.14.431043