Natural variants in SARS-CoV-2 S protein pinpoint structural and functional hotspots; implications for prophylaxis strategies

The SARS-CoV-2 viral genome mutates incessantly as it spreads in the world and the gene for the Spike (S) protein, critical for viral transmission into humans, is no exception. Analysis of 4,517 variants isolated from humans identified regions with few mutations, thus pinpointing important functional and structural sites in the S protein. This information can guide the development of effective prophylactic agents to arrest the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.