Overview:

The receptor binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein can recognize the ACE2 receptor of the host and is an important determining factor of viral entry and neutralization (1). The Lambda variant (VUI-21JUN-01, lineage C.37) carries the mutations L452Q and F490S on its RBD and the mutations manifest resistance to antiviral immunity. In addition, the L452Q mutation further increases the viral infectivity of the virus (2). The Lambda variant was first reported in Peru in August 2020, and since then has spread to most South American countries. As more variants of the virus emerge, it is pivotal to study the transmissibility, virulence, and the possible tendency to escape antibody neutralization of the virus (3).

Gene Aliases:

2019-nCoV RBD, SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD, novel coronavirus spike RBD, nCoV spike RBD, Lambda

Genebank Number:

MN908947

References:

1. Lan J, et al: Crystal structure of the 2019-nCoV spike receptor-binding domain bound with the ACE2 receptor. bioRxiv. doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.02.19.956235

2. Kimura I, et al: SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant exhibits higher infectivity and immune resistance. bioRxiv. doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.07.28.454085

3. Baj A, et al: Introduction of SARS-COV-2 C.37 (WHO VOI lambda) from Peru to Italy. Journal of Medical Virology. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/jmv.27235