The electrostatic potential of the Omicron variant spike is higher than in Delta and Delta-plus variants: a hint to higher transmissibility?

Abstract A new VOC termed omicron (PANGO lineage B.1.1.529) has recently emerged in South Africa and has since then spread worldwide. A major feature of this VOC is the high number of mutations into the Spike (S) protein, much higher than any other VOC. In this study we investigate the effects of those mutations and how they apparently modulate the affinity of the RDB domain and the ACE2 receptor. We highlights an unusual high positive electrostatic potential conferred by the above mutations and speculate about its relevance for virus transmission and infectivity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.