ABSTRACT
SARS-CoV-2 is locked in a high-stakes arms race between the dynamics of rising population immunity and escape mutations. The E484K mutation in the spike protein reduces neutralization by post-vaccination sera and monoclonal antibody therapeutics. We detected the emergence of an E484K harboring variant B.1.243.1 from a common circulating variant (B.1.243) in the United States. In contrast to other instances when the E484K mutation was acquired independently in the parental lineage, genomic surveillance indicates that the B.1.243.1 variant of interest is in the process of being established in Arizona and beginning to cross state borders to New Mexico and Texas. Genomic, epidemiologic and phylogenetic evidence indicates that the B.1.243.1 variant of interest is poised to emerge. These findings demonstrate the critical need to continue tracking SARS-CoV-2 in real-time to inform public health strategies, diagnostics, medical countermeasures and vaccines.
