Thread by @Marieaaow

Convergent evolution of #SARS_CoV_2 spike mutations, #L452R, #E484Q and #P681R, in the second wave of #COVID_19 in Maharashtra, #India | bioRxiv
#VUI biorxiv.org/content/10.110…

„newly identified lineage B.1.617 possessing common signature mutations D111D, G142D, L452R, E484Q, D614G and P681R, in the spike protein including within the receptor binding domain (RBD)“

„The structural analysis of RBD mutations L452R and E484Q along with P681R in the furin cleavage site, may possibly result in increased ACE2 binding and rate of S1-S2 cleavage resulting in better transmissibility.“

„The same two RBD mutations indicated decreased binding to selected monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and may affect their neutralization potential.“
#ImmuneEscape

Furin Cleavage Site Is Key to #SARS_CoV_2 Pathogenesis
#PRRAR
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32869021/