Omicron and Delta variant of SARS‐CoV‐2: A comparative computational study of spike protein

Abstract

Emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) variants, especially those of concern, may have an impact on the virus's transmissibility and pathogenicity, as well as diagnostic equipment performance and vaccine effectiveness. Even though the SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta variant (B.1.617.2) emerged during India's second wave of infections, Delta variants have grown dominant internationally and are still evolving. On November 26, 2021, World Health Organization identified the variant B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern, naming it Omicron, based on evidence that Omicron contains numerous mutations that may influence its behavior. However, the mode of transmission and severity of the Omicron variant remains unknown. We used computational studies to examine the Delta and Omicron variants in this study and found that the Omicron variant had a higher affinity for human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) than the Delta variant due to a significant number of mutations in the SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor‐binding domain (RBD), indicating a higher potential for transmission. Based on docking studies, the Q493R, N501Y, S371L, S373P, S375F, Q498R, and T478K mutations contribute significantly to high binding affinity with human ACE2. In comparison to the Delta variant, both the entire spike protein and the RBD in Omicron include a high proportion of hydrophobic amino acids such as leucine and phenylalanine. These amino acids are located within the protein's core and are required for structural stability. We observed a disorder–order transition in the Omicron variant between spike protein RBD regions 468–473, and it may be significant in the influence of disordered residues/regions on spike protein stability and binding to ACE2. A future study might investigate the epidemiological and biological consequences of the Omicron variant.