Expert Forum
Research progress in site mutations of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants
Miao Gen, He Zhiwei, Chen Yibo, Ding Cuiling, Ren Hao, Zhao Ping, Qi Zhongtian
Published 2023-03-31
Cite as Chin J Microbiol Immunol, 2023, 43(3): 173-181. DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112309-20230223-00044
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) was first discovered in South Africa in November 2021 and has since become a mainstream strain worldwide. Omicron variant was defined as the fifth "variant of concern (VOC)" by World Health Organization on November 26, 2021. This paper illustrates the mutation trends of Omicron variants in terms of SARS-CoV-2 genome and protein structure as well as nucleic acid site mutations and amino acid site mutations, describes the features of Omicron mutation sites in terms of lineage comparison among the VOCs and Omicron sublineages, and further highlights the influences of Omicron site mutations from the aspects of immune escape, virulence and transmission ability. Moreover, this paper also reviews the development of direct antiviral agents, antibodies and vaccines, aiming to provide reference for further investigation.
Key words:
SARS-CoV-2; Omicron variant; Structure; Site mutation; Immune escape
Contributor Information
Miao Gen
Department of Microbiology, PLA Key Laboratory of Biodetection and Biodefense, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
He Zhiwei
Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Biodefense, Shanghai 200433, China
Chen Yibo
Department of Microbiology, PLA Key Laboratory of Biodetection and Biodefense, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
Ding Cuiling
Department of Microbiology, PLA Key Laboratory of Biodetection and Biodefense, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
Ren Hao
Department of Microbiology, PLA Key Laboratory of Biodetection and Biodefense, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
Zhao Ping
Department of Microbiology, PLA Key Laboratory of Biodetection and Biodefense, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
Qi Zhongtian
Department of Microbiology, PLA Key Laboratory of Biodetection and Biodefense, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China