Escape of SARS-CoV-2 501Y.V2 from neutralization by convalescent plasma

South Africa experienced two SARS-CoV-2 infection waves. The first wave peaked in July 2020 by virus possessing D614G mutation but not the 501Y.V2 mutant, and the second wave peaked in Jan 2021 mainly caused by the 501Y.V2 variant. The antibodies derived from first wave convalescent patients can effectively neutralize the virus of first waves, but not that of second wave. In contrast, antibodies from the second wave can neutralize both viruses of first and second waves. Vaccines based on newly circulating variants may be better choice.