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). Delta plus variant also known as B.1.617.2.1/ AY.1 carries mutation K417N on its receptor-binding domain (RBD) in addition to mutations L452R and T478K reported in the Delta variant. K417N mutation has been previously identified in B.1.351 lineages. In addition to antigenic effect, K417N alters binding affinity to ACE-2 protein. 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 RBD, SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD, novel coronavirus spike RBD, nCoV spike RBD, 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. bioRxiv. doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.02.19.956235. 2. Public Health England. SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants under investigation in England—technical briefing 17. London, United Kingdom: Public Health England; 2021. 3. Harvey, WT, et al: SARS-CoV-2 variants, spike mutations and immune escape. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2021, 19:409–424.