ABSTRACT
The SARS-CoV-2 is rapidly evolving and new mutations are being reported from different parts of the world. In this study, we investigated the variations occurring in the nucleocapsid phosphoprotein (N-protein) of SARS-CoV-2 from India. We used several in silico prediction tools to characterise N-protein including IEDB webserver for B cell epitope prediction, Vaxijen 2.0 and AllergenFP v.1.0 for antigenicity and allergenicity prediction of epitopes, CLUSTAL Omega for mutation identification and PONDR webserver for disorder prediction, PROVEAN score for protein function and iMutantsuite for protein stability prediction. Our results show that 81 mutations have occurred in this protein among Indian SARS-CoV-2 isolates. Subsequently, we characterized the N-protein epitopes to identify seven most promising peptides. We mapped these mutations with seven N-protein epitopes to identify the loss of antigenicity in two of them, suggesting that the mutations occurring in the SARS-CoV-2 genome contribute to the alteration in the properties of epitopes. Altogether, our data strongly indicates that N-protein is gaining several mutations in its B cell epitope regions that might alter protein function.
ABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease- 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly become a major threat to humans due to its high infection rate and deaths caused worldwide. This disease is caused by an RNA virus, Severe Acquired Respiratory Syndrome -Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). This class of viruses have a high rate of mutation than DNA viruses that enables them to adapt and also evade host immune system. Here, we compared the first known Nucleocapsid Phosphoprotein (N protein) sequence of SARS-CoV-2 from China with the sequences from Indian COVID-19 patients to understand, if this virus is also mutating, as it is spreading to new locations. Our data revealed twenty mutations present among Indian isolates. Out of these, mutation at six positions led to changes in the secondary structure of N protein. Further, we also show that these mutations are primarily destabilising the protein structure. The candidate mutations identified in this study may help to speed up the understanding of variations occurring in SARS-CoV-2.
ABSTRACT
COVID -19 disease (Coronavirus) is a contemporary strain of coronavirus species which has initially appeared in Wuhan city, China. Over the few months it has spread to various regions of the world. It is observed that COVID-19 is able to get transmitted from human to human contact, by means of droplets sustained in the air as aerosols, fomites etc. WHO (World Health Organization) has declared the current outbreak to be a public health emergency globally. Asthe disease is life threatening, there is a crucial need for effective drugs. Optimistic nurture remains the backbone of the therapy. Despite the COVID-19 patients having benign or mild courses, up to 5% -10% can have serious;probably life alarming courses, there is a crucial need for effective drugs. There have been several clinical trials persisting, various immune regulating and antiviral agents for assessments of COVID-19 in those investigations and some of them would be reported in later couple of days. Although the critical need to find an efficient antiviral medication for COVID-19 through randomized controlled investigation, certain agents are being utilized all over the world, established on either envisioned evidence, in vitro or experimental studies. Presently, the research investigation on SARS COVID-2 is in the initial stages. Based on ongoing published information, this review article consistently summarizes the pathological analysis, clinical symptoms, prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Generally, maximum used therapeutic agents in India and all over the world includes hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, remdesivir, favipiravir, lopinavir and Nitazoxanide. This review reports about Ivermectin to have an activity against SARS-COVID-19 in vitro, which is permitted for some other treatments of human diseases. It is assumed that this review willencourage the nation to recognize and handle COVID-19 and contribute for prospective studies.