Tracking Changes in SARS-CoV-2 Spike: Evidence that D614G Increases Infectivity of the COVID-19 Virus

Cell. 2020 Aug 20;182(4):812-827.e19. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.06.043. Epub 2020 Jul 3.

Abstract

A SARS-CoV-2 variant carrying the Spike protein amino acid change D614G has become the most prevalent form in the global pandemic. Dynamic tracking of variant frequencies revealed a recurrent pattern of G614 increase at multiple geographic levels: national, regional, and municipal. The shift occurred even in local epidemics where the original D614 form was well established prior to introduction of the G614 variant. The consistency of this pattern was highly statistically significant, suggesting that the G614 variant may have a fitness advantage. We found that the G614 variant grows to a higher titer as pseudotyped virions. In infected individuals, G614 is associated with lower RT-PCR cycle thresholds, suggestive of higher upper respiratory tract viral loads, but not with increased disease severity. These findings illuminate changes important for a mechanistic understanding of the virus and support continuing surveillance of Spike mutations to aid with development of immunological interventions.

Keywords: COVID-19; PCR cycle threshold; SARS-CoV-2; Spike; antibody; diversity; evolution; infectivity; neutralization; pseudovirus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Betacoronavirus / genetics*
  • Betacoronavirus / pathogenicity*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections / epidemiology
  • Coronavirus Infections / physiopathology
  • Coronavirus Infections / virology*
  • Epidemiological Monitoring
  • Genetic Fitness
  • Genetic Variation
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Phylogeny
  • Pneumonia, Viral / epidemiology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / physiopathology
  • Pneumonia, Viral / virology*
  • Respiratory System / virology
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / genetics*
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2