Result: A similar observation has been made in studies of
spike material isolated directly from the Alpha variant virus and the same
P681H substitution has also been observed in the recent B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant
spike.
Result: Our data suggest that this substitution
P681R in Kappa and Delta
spikes, as well as
P681H in Omicron
spike, will also increase stability of the receptor-bound form of these
spikes, accounting at least in part for their increased transmissibility.
Result: This observation is consistent with one of the changes in the Alpha
spike being the substitution
P681H, which generates an even more basic furin-cleavage site (