Evolution of increased positive charge on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein may be adaptation to human transmission

Authors: Cotten, Matthew ;

Phan, My V.T.

Source: iScience

Full text

: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.106230

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.

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http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Cite as

Cotten, M. & Phan, M. 2023, 'Evolution of increased positive charge on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein may be adaptation to human transmission', iScience, 26(3), article no: 106230. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.106230

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2023.106230

Repository URI: https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/294209/