Are the SARS-CoV-2 Variants Greater Threats? - An In Silico Analysis of the Spike Protein

Abstract

March 2020 marked the beginning of a global pandemic caused by SARSCoV- 2. With the development, production and distribution of several vaccines there are hopes to an end in sight. However, with the emergence of several mutated viral strains concerns are mounting as to the effectiveness of the current treatments and preventative measures against the new strains. Herein we analyzed and compared the interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein and its variants with human Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE-2) and the binding affinities of several possible S-protein inhibitors with these variants via in silico molecular docking studies. The binding affinities of all the variants to ACE- 2 are less than that of SARS-CoV-2, indicating they are less potent than SARSCoV- 2. The inhibitors, however, showed decreased binding affinity to most of the mutant S-proteins than SARS-CoV-2, indicating it is more difficult to treat COVID using the therapeutic approach targeting the S-protein.