Henning Jacobsen, Monika Strengert, Henrike Maaß, Mario Alberto Ynga Durand, Barbora Kessel, Manuela Harries, Ulfert Rand, Leila Abassi, Yeonsu Kim, Tatjana Lüddecke, Pilar Hernandez, Julia Ortmann, Jana-Kristin Heise, Stefanie Castell, Daniela Gornyk, Stephan Glöckner, Vanessa Melhorn, Berit Lange, Alex Dulovic, Julia Häring, Daniel Junker, Nicole Schneiderhan-Marra, Markus Hoffmann, Stefan Pöhlmann, Gérard Krause, Luka Cicin-Sain

doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.12.21.21267898

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 variants accumulating immune escape mutations provide a significant risk to vaccine-induced protection. The novel variant of concern Omicron (B.1.1.529) has to date the largest number of amino acid alterations in its Spike protein. Thus, it may efficiently escape recognition by neutralizing antibodies, allowing breakthrough infections in convalescent and vaccinated individuals.

Keywords: SARS-CoV-2, Omicron, mRNA