SARS-CoV-2 501Y.V2 escapes neutralization by South African COVID-19 donor plasma

Wibmer, Constantinos Kurt; Ayres, Frances; Hermanus, Tandile; Madzivhandila, Mashudu; Kgagudi, Prudence; Oosthuysen, Brent; Lambson, Bronwen E.; De Oliveira, Tulio; Vermeulen, Marion; Van der Berg, Karin; Rossouw, Theresa M.; Boswell, Michael T.; Ueckermann, Veronica; Meiring, Susan; Von Gottberg, Anne; Cohen, Cheryl; Morris, Lynn; Bhiman, Jinal N.; Moore, Penny L.

SARS-CoV-2 501Y.V2 escapes neutralization by South African COVID-19 donor plasma

Wibmer, Constantinos Kurt; Ayres, Frances; Hermanus, Tandile; Madzivhandila, Mashudu; Kgagudi, Prudence; Oosthuysen, Brent; Lambson, Bronwen E.; De Oliveira, Tulio; Vermeulen, Marion; Van der Berg, Karin; Rossouw, Theresa M.; Boswell, Michael T.; Ueckermann, Veronica; Meiring, Susan; Von Gottberg, Anne; Cohen, Cheryl; Morris, Lynn; Bhiman, Jinal N.; Moore, Penny L.

URI: http://hdl.handle.net/2263/79329

Date: 2021-04

Abstract:

SARS-CoV-2 501Y.V2 (B.1.351), a novel lineage of coronavirus causing COVID-19, contains substitutions in two immunodominant domains of the spike protein. Here, we show that pseudovirus expressing 501Y.V2 spike protein completely escapes three classes of therapeutically relevant antibodies. This pseudovirus also exhibits substantial to complete escape from neutralization, but not binding, by convalescent plasma. These data highlight the prospect of reinfection with antigenically distinct variants and foreshadows reduced efficacy of spike-based vaccines.