Overview:

In September of 2020 a new lineage of SARS-CoV-2, known as B.1.1.7 and named as Alpha variant, was discovered in the United Kingdom. This lineage was found to have developed 14 lineage-specific amino acid replacements and 3 deletions prior to its discovery. The transmission of alpha variant (B.1.1.7 lineage) was increased at least 50%. Increased severity and higher death rate were also found in alpha variant. Alpha variant will not affect the effectiveness of COVID19 vaccine. One of the mutations associated with this lineage is a N501Y in the spike protein of the virus. It is believed that this mutation is able to increase the spike protein's affinity for the host ACE2 receptor and it has been associated with increased infectivity and virulence. B.1.1.7 viruses have also been shown to have a P681H mutation in the cleavage site of spike protein. This location is one of the residues that make up the furin cleavage site between S1 and S2 in spike protein.

References:

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