SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 is susceptible to neutralizing antibodies elicited by ancestral Spike vaccines

Abstract

All current vaccines for COVID-19 utilize ancestral SARS-CoV-2 Spike with the goal of generating protective neutralizing antibodies. The recent emergence and rapid spread of several SARS-CoV-2 variants carrying multiple Spike mutations raise concerns about possible immune escape. One variant, first identified in the United Kingdom (B.1.1.7, also called 501Y.V1 or 20I), contains eight Spike mutations with potential to impact antibody therapy, vaccine efficacy and risk of reinfection. Here we show that B.1.1.7 remains sensitive to neutralization, albeit at moderately reduced levels (∼2-fold), by serum samples from convalescent individuals and recipients of an mRNA vaccine (mRNA-1273, (Moderna) and a protein nanoparticle vaccine (NVX-CoV2373, Novavax). A subset of monoclonal antibodies to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of Spike are less effective against the variant while others are largely unaffected. These findings indicate that variant B.1.1.7 is unlikely to be a major concern for current vaccines or for an increased risk of reinfection.

Graphical Abstract

Abstract

The increasing prevalence and diversity of SARS-CoV-2 Spike variants raises concerns for potential immune escape. Using a validated pseudovirus neutralization assay, Shen et al. show that the B.1.1.7 variant escapes a subset of monoclonal antibodies but remains susceptible to vaccine-elicited antibodies and serum samples from people who recovered from COVID-19.