Potential linear B-cells epitope change to a helix structure in the spike of Omicron 21L or BA.2 predicts increased SARS-CoV-2 antibodies evasion.

ABSTRACT

The world health organization has announced that SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529), including the three versions; 21K (BA.1), 21L (BA.2) and 21M (BA.3) as a variant of concern (VOC) on November 2022. In this study, we used the specialized computational platforms to predict the stability and flexibility of the spike protein of Omicron. The aim of this study was to investigate the expected effect of Omicron spike mutations on its physiochemical properties. Findings of this study revealed 16 stabilizing mutations that might explain a newly gained environmental stability. We expect the new mutations to play a crucial role in changing the physiochemical properties of epitopes of the spike protein. The notable finding of SuerPose work was the potential linear B-cells epitope G252 → S255 that has been changed in the spike protein of the Omicron 21L to a helix structure which might confer an escape from human monoclonal antibodies.