Transmission, infectivity, and neutralization of a spike L452R SARS-CoV-2 variant

In January 2021, a SARS-CoV-2 variant in California possessing an L452R mutation in the RBD domain of S protein emerged. This variant showed 18.6-24% increased transmissibility relative to wild type circulating strains. The virus carrying L452R mutation shows increased viral shedding and growth in cell culture and lung organoids, whereas was lower than mutants carrying N501Y mutation. The mutant carrying L452R showed resistance against neutralizing antibody elicited by natural infection and vaccination.