The value of electrostatic potentials of the spike receptor binding and N-terminal domains in addressing transmissibility and infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Issue 5 (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pascarella, Stefano; Ciccozzi, Massimo; Bianchi, Martina; Benvenuto, Domenico; Cauda, Roberto; Cassone, Antonio
• Is Part Of: Journal of infection. Volume 84:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: e62
• Page End: e63
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: EPrbd Electrostatic potential of the Spike receptor binding domain -- EPntd Electrostatic potential of the Spike N-terminal domain; Infection -- Periodicals; Bacterial Infections -- Periodicals; Communicable Diseases -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2022.02.023
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0163-4453

Abstract

Highlights: The net surface charge(EP) of SARS-CoV-2 (S) RBD and NTD are generally positive. The EP of SARS-CoV-2 (S) RBD increases in keeping with variants transmissibility. Omicron B.A1 variant has the highest EP of SARS-CoV-2 (S) RBD. Omicron B.A1 is the only variant with a negative EP of (S) NTD. Graphical abstract: Comparison of the surface electrostatic potential of the N-terminal (NTD) and the Receptor Binding Domains (RBD) of the Wuhan and Omicron Spikes. The entire Spikes are represented with transparent ribbon models. Only the NTD and RBD surfaces of the chain A are represented. Domain net charges are reported within parenthesis beside the domain labels. Surface color ranges from -5.0 (red) to + 5.0 (blue) kT/e. Image, graphical abstract