Overview:

The receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein recognizes the host ACE2 receptor and is a major determinant of viral entry and neutralization (1). SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.617.2 (delta) carrying mutations L452R, T478K in the RBD has been reported to severely affect regions of India (2). This variant has been shown to have higher transmissibility and pathogenicity in hamster model, thus raising concerns about the neutralizing capability of vaccines. As new variants emerge, it is pivotal to evaluate their transmissibility, virulence and their possible tendency to escape antibody neutralization (3).

Gene Aliases:

2019-nCoV RBD, SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD, novel coronavirus spike RBD, nCoV spike RBD.

References:

1. Lan J, et al: Crystal structure of the 2019-nCoV spike receptor-binding domain bound with the ACE2 receptor. bioRxiv. doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.02.19.956235. 2. Chakrabory C, et al: Present variants of concern and variants of interest of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2: Their significant mutations in S-glycoprotein, infectivity, re-infectivity, immune escape and vaccines activity. Medical Virology, 2020; doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/rmv.2270 3. Pragya D, et al: Neutralization potential of Covishield vaccinated individuals sera against B.1.617.1. bioRxiv 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.05.12.443645