Characterization of the Immune Resistance of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Mu Variant and the Robust Immunity Induced by Mu Infection

J Infect Dis. 2022 Sep 28;226(7):1200-1203. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jiac053.

Abstract

Background: We have recently revealed that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Mu variant shows a pronounced resistance to antibodies elicited by natural SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination.

Methods: However, it remains unclear which mutations determine the resistance of SARS-CoV-2 Mu to antiviral sera. In addition, it is unclear how SARS-CoV-2 Mu infection induces antiviral immunity.

Results: In this study, we reveal that the 2 mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 Mu spike protein, YY144-145TSN and E484K, are responsible for the resistance to coronavirus disease 2019 convalescent sera during early 2020 and vaccine sera.

Conclusions: It is notable that the convalescent sera of SARS-CoV-2 Mu-infected individuals are broadly antiviral against Mu as well as other SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and interest.

Keywords: COVID-19; Mu variant; SARS-CoV-2; immune resistance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antiviral Agents
  • COVID-19 Serotherapy
  • COVID-19* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunization, Passive
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus / genetics

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neutralizing
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
  • spike protein, SARS-CoV-2

Supplementary concepts

  • SARS-CoV-2 variants