Overview:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains the most rapidly spreading disease since 2020. The spike glycoprotein (S) of coronavirus, a type I transmembrane protein containing two subunits S1 and S2, facilitates viral genome entry into the host cells through the interaction with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) (1). B.1.617, also referred to as the Indian variant, caused a surge in COVID-19 cases in India in early 2021. This variant has also been reported in UK and US. B.1.617 has 13 mutations that result in amino acid changes. These mutations include T19R, ∆157-158, L452R, T478K, D614G, P681R. As new variants displace the first-wave virus, it is pivotal to evaluate their transmissibility, virulence and their possible tendency to escape antibody neutralization (2, 3).

Gene Aliases:

2019-nCoV s1, SARS-CoV-2 spike S1, SARS-CoV-2 S1, novel coronavirus spike s1, nCoV spike s1, coronavirus spike S1, Delta variant

Genbank Number:

MN908947

References:

1. Lan J, et al: Crystal structure of the 2019-nCov spike receptor-binding domain bound with the ACE2 receptor. Nature. 2020, 581:215-220. 2. Peacock S: Expert reaction to cases of variant B.1.617 (the ‘Indian variant’) being investigated in the UK. Science Media center. 2021. 3. "Lineage B.1.617". PANGO lineages. Retrieved 12 June 2021.