Comprehensive mapping of mutations to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-bindingdomain that affect recognition by polyclonal human serum antibodies.
“The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 could impair recognition of the virus by human antibody-mediatedimmunity. To facilitate prospective surveillance for such evolution, we map how convalescent serumantibodies are impacted by all mutations to the spike’s receptor-binding domain (RBD), the main targetof serum neutralizing activity. Binding by polyclonal serum antibodies is affected by mutations in threemain epitopes in the RBD, but there is substantial variation in the impact of mutations both amongindividuals and within the same individual over time. Despite this inter- and intra-person heterogeneity,the mutations that most reduce antibody binding usually occur at just a few sites in the RBD’s receptorbinding motif. The most important site is E484, where neutralization by some sera is reduced >10-foldby several mutations, including one in emerging viral lineages in South Africa and Brazil. Goingforward, these serum escape maps can inform surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 evolution.”
