Characterization of a Lineage C.36 SARS-CoV-2 Isolate with Reduced Susceptibility to Neutralization Circulating in Lombardy, Italy

Viruses. 2021 Jul 31;13(8):1514. doi: 10.3390/v13081514.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 spike is evolving to maximize transmissibility and evade the humoral response. The massive genomic sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 isolates has led to the identification of single-point mutations and deletions, often having the recurrence of hotspots, associated with advantageous phenotypes. We report the isolation and molecular characterization of a SARS-CoV-2 strain, belonging to a lineage (C.36) not previously associated with concerning traits, which shows decreased susceptibility to vaccine sera neutralization.

Keywords: COVID-19; L452R; R346K; SARS-CoV-2; spike; variant of concern.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Viral / immunology
  • COVID-19 / virology*
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Mutation
  • Neutralization Tests
  • Phylogeny
  • SARS-CoV-2 / classification
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology
  • SARS-CoV-2 / isolation & purification*
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / genetics
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus