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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2021.03.16.435705

Identification of ACE2 mutations that modulate SARS-CoV-2 spike binding across multiple mammalian species

Heinzelman, P.·Romero, P. A.
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Abstract

Understanding how SARS-CoV-2 interacts with different mammalian angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2) cell entry receptors elucidates determinants of virus transmission and facilitates development of vaccines for humans and animals. Yeast display-based directed evolution identified conserved ACE2 mutations that increase spike binding across multiple species. Gln42Leu increased ACE2-spike binding for human and four of four other mammalian ACE2s; Leu79Ile had a effect for human and three of three mammalian ACE2s. These residues are highly represented, 83% for Gln42 and 56% for Leu79, among mammalian ACE2s. The above findings can be important in protecting humans and animals from existing and future SARS-CoV-2 variants.

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Heinzelman, P., Romero, P. A.. 2021-03-17. Identification of ACE2 mutations that modulate SARS-CoV-2 spike binding across multiple mammalian species. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.03.16.435705

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