@article{Cotten_M-2023_124720,
title = {Evolution of increased positive charge on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein may be adaptation to human transmission},
author = {Cotten, M. and Phan, M.},
month = {mar},
year = {2023},
abstract = {The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to evolve and infect individuals. The exterior surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virion is dominated by the spike protein, and the current work examined spike protein biochemical features that have changed during the 3 years in which SARS-CoV-2 has infected humans. Our analysis identified a striking change in spike protein charge, from −8.3 in the original Lineage A and B viruses to −1.26 in most of the current Omicron viruses. We conclude that in addition to immune selection pressure, the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has also altered viral spike protein biochemical properties, which may influence virion survival and promote transmission. Future vaccine and therapeutic development should also exploit and target these biochemical properties.},
volume = {26},
issue = {3},
journal = {iScience},
publisher = {Elsevier},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.106230},
}
