Comparative Structural Analyses of Selected Spike Protein-RBD Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 Lineages

Roy, Urmi

The severity of the covid 19 has been observed throughout the world as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had spread globally claiming more than 2 million lives and left a devastating impact on peoples’ life. Recently several virulent mutant strains of this virus, such as the B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P1 lineages have emerged. These strains are predominantly observed in UK, South Africa and Brazil. Another extremely pathogenic B.1.617 lineage and its sub-lineages, first detected in India, are now affecting some countries at notably stronger spread-rates. This paper computationally examines the time-based structures of B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P1 lineages with selected spike protein mutations. Additionally, the mutations in the more recently found B.1.617 lineage and some of its sub-lineages are explored, and the implications for multiple point mutations of the spike protein’s receptor-binding domain (RBD) are described.