First detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein N501 mutation in Italy in August, 2020

Type Journal Article Author Simona Fiorentini Author Serena Messali Author Alberto Zani Author Francesca Caccuri Author Marta Giovanetti Author Massimo Ciccozzi Author Arnaldo Caruso URL https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(21)00007-4/abstract Volume 21 Issue 6 Pages e147 Publication The Lancet Infectious Diseases ISSN 1473-3099, 1474-4457 Date 12/01/2021 Extra Publisher: Elsevier PMID: 33450180 Journal Abbr The Lancet Infectious Diseases DOI 10.1016/S1473-3099(21)00007-4 Library Catalog www.thelancet.com Language English Abstract A new variant of SARS-CoV-2, known as VOC-202012/01, is spreading in the UK and is rapidly becoming a global threat.1,2 VOC-202012/01 is characterised by multiple mutations in the spike protein. Among them, N501Y is of major concern because it involves one of the six key amino acid residues determining a tight interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) with its cellular receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2).3