Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Variants have mutations in the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein, including K417N, E484K, N501Y. Some variants seem to spread more easily and quickly among people, causing more infections with the COVID-19 virus.
Spike proteins is a glycoprotein on the surface of SAR virus, it could bind to receptor on host cells, and the allow virus to enter host cells.
Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) is part of spike protein (amino acid 330-535), it binds to the host receptor via a receptor-binding motif.
SARS-CoV-2 nAbs bind to RBD and block the RBD–hACE2 interaction, thus inhibiting virus attachment.
