The severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus 2 (CoV-2) variant Omicron spread more rapid than the other variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus. Simulation results show that the Omicron Variant have stronger binding to ACE2 than other variants. Biologic Models designed this 3D printed protein model of the SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain Omicron Mutant 6VXX helps research scientists track viral mutations.
SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain Delta Plus Mutant 6VXX
The Receptor Binding Domain of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein (PDB ID: 6VXX seen below) is the apex of the Spike that reaches out and binds ACE2 Receptors. It is characterized by a Binding motif (dark green) that localizes most of the SARS-CoV-2 residues that interact with ACE2 residues. Targeting these residues with Neutralizing Antibodies is a proven strategy to inhibit viral infection. Furthermore, mutations to these residues may dramatically change how the virus interacts with ACE2 or worse, evade immune responses.
Mutations
Mutations N440K, T478K, Q493R and Q498R stabilized interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 RBD and ACE2 receptor. Key to these effects are mutations to unchanged residues that result in ones with positive charges, like Lysine and Arginine.
Biologic Explorer: 6VXX-RBD
