Host-cell recognition through GRP78 is enhanced in the new UK variant of SARS-CoV-2, in silico

In this Journal we previously reported the predicted SARS-CoV-2 spike-host cell receptor GRP78 binding site (1). New SARS-CoV-2 variant VUI 202012/01 started in the UK and currently spreading in Europe and Australia during the last few days. The new variant bears about nine mutations in the spike protein ( Δ69-70, Δ145, N501Y, A570D, D614G, P681H, T716I, S982A, and D1118H). The N501Y lies in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike and interacts with the host-cell receptor ACE2 responsible for viral recognition and entry.
Source: Journal of Infection - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research