The Omicron XBB.1 Variant and its Descendants: Genomic Mutations, Rapid
Dissemination and Notable Characteristics
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is a major threat to human health, has
undergone many mutations during the replication process due to errors in
the replication steps and modifications in the structure of viral
proteins. The XBB variant was identified for the first time in Singapore
in the fall of 2022. It was then detected in other countries, including
the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. We study the impact
of sequence changes on Spike protein structure on the subvariants of XBB
with particular attention to the velocity of variant diffusion and virus
activity w.r.t. its diffusion. We examine the structural and functional
distinctions of the variants in 3 different conformations: (i) Spike
glycoprotein in complex with ACE2 (1-up state), (ii) Spike glycoprotein
(closed-1 state) and (iii) S protein (open-1 state). We also estimate
the transmissibility of the affinity binding between Spike proteins and
ACE2. The market binding affinity observed in specific variants raises
questions about the efficacy of current vaccines in controlling the
spread of these variants. This work may be useful in devising strategies
to manage the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. To stay ahead of the virus
evolution, further research and surveillance should be carried out to
adjust public health measures accordingly.