Human CellExp™ SARS-CoV-2 S1 (K417N), Recombinant

SARS-CoV-2, the causative virus of COVID-19, uses the viral Spike (S) protein for host cell attachment and entry. The virus uses multiple host targets including the human protease Furin, Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) and the transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) for host cell entry. The S protein has two domains S1 and S2, where S1 facilitates initial binding to the receptor and the S2 domain drives the membrane fusion and eventual entry of the virus. The S glycoprotein serves as an important target for monoclonal antibodies, entry inhibitors, and vaccines. Within the S1 protein, the conserved receptor-binding domain (RBD) binds with a high affinity for ACE2. Recently, fast-spreading variants were identified in the UK, South Africa, and Brazil. One of those variants of SARS-CoV-2 contains the K417N mutation, which is a lysine (K) to asparagine (N) substitution at position 417 in the RBD. Epidemiologist estimated that the new variant is roughly 50% more transmissible as compared to other dominant lineages based on the rate it spreads. According to the CDC, they also claim a moderate impact on neutralization by monoclonal antibody therapeutics and convalescent/post-vaccination sera.