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Slack / Private Message Drop, p.996 [SLACK_001210] · slack_pm:msg:10387

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Interestingly this is actually a R681S mutation

In context

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2021-09-14 06:20 Robert F. Garry open

So, the Proline at 681 is important for the O-glycans. S at 681 changes the prediction from three to only one O-linked glycan - as @Kristian Andersen has pointed out this likely is involved in regulation of cleavage - rather than any "glycan shielding." [shared file(s): image.png]
2021-09-14 06:23 Andrew Rambaut

Interestingly this is actually a R681S mutation
2021-09-14 06:23 Andrew Rambaut open

(i.e., a Delta)
2021-09-14 06:27 Robert F. Garry open

Of course N501 is the a key residue for cross-species transmission. N501T is a key mutation for minks and ferrets. Serine is chemically similar to Threonine.
2021-09-14 06:27 Robert F. Garry open

Mutation of two amino acids (K479N and S487T) in palm civet SARS-CoV RBD allows this virus to infect humans (Li, 2008). These changes overcome the species barrier between civets and humans and enable favorable interactions between the RBD and contact residues on human ACE2. Q493 and N501 are the two SARS-CoV-2 residues that have similar interactions with ACE2 as SARS-CoV residues N479 and T487.
2021-09-14 06:32 Robert F. Garry open

R681S - That is interesting - hard to predict the effect on cleavage. The fsc is still there of course, but cleavage could be improved (the S might be a better landing site than the R) or decreased. And, the wild-card of the O-glycans not being there.