Evolution of increased positive charge on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein may be adaptation to human transmission

Cotten, M. and Phan, M. V.T. (2023) Evolution of increased positive charge on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein may be adaptation to human transmission. iScience, 26(3), 106230. (doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106230) (PMID:36845032) (PMCID:PMC9937996)

Abstract

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to evolve and infect individuals. The exterior surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virion is dominated by the spike protein, and the current work examined spike protein biochemical features that have changed during the 3 years in which SARS-CoV-2 has infected humans. Our analysis identified a striking change in spike protein charge, from −8.3 in the original Lineage A and B viruses to −1.26 in most of the current Omicron viruses. We conclude that in addition to immune selection pressure, the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has also altered viral spike protein biochemical properties, which may influence virion survival and promote transmission. Future vaccine and therapeutic development should also exploit and target these biochemical properties.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by the UK Medical Research Council (MRC/UK Research and Innovation) and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) under the MRC/DFID Concordat agreement (grant agreement no.: MC_PC_20010) and Wellcome Trust, UK FCDO-Wellcome Epidemic Preparedness-Coronavirus (grant agreement no.: 220977/Z/20/Z).
• Keywords: Evolutionary biology, virology.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Cotten, Professor Matthew
• Authors: Cotten, M., and Phan, M. V.T.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity > Centre for Virus Research
• Journal Name: iScience
• Publisher: Elsevier (Cell Press)
• ISSN: 2589-0042
• ISSN (Online): 2589-0042
• Published Online: 18 February 2023
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2023 The Authors
• First Published: First published in iScience 26(3): 106230
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License