New study tests how mutations in SARS-CoV-2 affect antibody neutralization
Using pseudoviruses with single amino acid substitutions, researchers found that mutations in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reduce monoclonal antibody neutralization differently. However, convalescent sera samples did not lose neutralization potency many and were also effective against the B.1.1.7 (UK-derived) strain.
As SARS-CoV-2 continues to infect people around the world, it is also mutating. The majority of the mutations are on the virus spike protein, the key viral component that binds to host cells and the main antigenic target for vaccines and antivirals. Since many vaccines, and antibodies from a previous infection, are based on the earlier circulating strains, it is unknown how immunity will be affected by the new strains.