The emergence of new mutations in SARS-CoV-2 and their implications

The emergence of novel variants has been a defining feature of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic over recent months. Each report of a novel variant kicks off a flurry of experimental studies that aim to characterize the phenotypic impacts of the newly observed mutations. 

Tyler Star will discuss their high-throughput experimental platform to prospectively map the impacts of all possible mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 RBD on key biochemical phenotypes such as receptor binding or antibody escape. For example, the map that they published last summer already indicated that the N501Y mutation enhanced receptor-binding affinity and receptor-mediated cellular entry, preceding the repeated observation of this mutant in variants of concern with increased transmissibility that emerged in the fall and winter. Their maps also enable the tailoring and design of antibody therapeutics in light of local surveillance of viral variation. Learn about how their maps, together with other studies in viral evolution, reveal about the potential future evolution of this virus.

Katrina Lythgoe will discuss the emergence and spread of a growing number of variants of concern. Fundamentally, any new mutation, or combination of mutations, arises during an infection. She will describe their work on the within-host diversity and transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and discuss the implications for their understanding of how new variants of concern arise and spread.