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Isolation of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.28.2 (P2) variant and pathogenicity comparison with D614G variant in hamster model
Pragya Yadav1, Sreelekshmy Mohandas1, Prasad Sarkale1
1Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV), Pune, Maharashtra, 411021, India.
Background:
Considering the potential threat from emerging Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants and the rising COVID-19 cases, SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance is ongoing in India. We report herewith the isolation of the P.2 variant (B.1.1.28.2) from international travelers and further its pathogenicity evaluation and comparison with D614G variant (B.1) in hamster model.
Methods:
Virus isolation was performed in Vero CCL81 cells and genomic characterization by next generation sequencing. The pathogenicity and host immune response of the isolate was assessed in Syrian hamster model and compared with B.1 variant.
Results:
B.1.1.28.2 variant was isolated from nasal/throat swabs of international travelers returned to India from United Kingdom and Brazil. The B.1.1.28.2 variant induced body weight loss, viral replication in the respiratory tract and caused severe lung pathology in infected Syrian hamster model in comparison, with B.1 variant infected hamsters. The sera from B.1.1.28.2 infected hamsters efficiently neutralized the D614G variant virus whereas 6-fold reduction in the neutralization was seen in case of D614G variant infected hamsters' sera with the B.1.1.28.2 variant.
Conclusions:
B.1.1.28.2 lineage variant could be successfully isolated and characterization could be performed. Pathogenicity of the isolate was demonstrated in Syrian hamster model and the findings of neutralization reduction is of great concern and point towards the need for screening the vaccines for efficacy.
Insights
The P.2 variant (B.1.1.28.2) of SARS-CoV-2 was isolated in India and found to be more pathogenic in hamsters than the D614G variant. This variant shows reduced neutralization by antibodies, highlighting vaccine efficacy concerns.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Genomic Surveillance
Background:
- Ongoing genomic surveillance for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants in India due to rising COVID-19 cases.
- Identification of the P.2 variant (B.1.1.28.2) in international travelers arriving in India.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize the P.2 SARS-CoV-2 variant from international travelers.
- To evaluate the pathogenicity of the P.2 variant in a Syrian hamster model.
- To compare the P.2 variant's pathogenicity and immunogenicity with the D614G (B.1) variant.
Main Methods:
- Virus isolation in Vero CCL81 cells.
- Next-generation sequencing for genomic characterization.
- Pathogenicity and host immune response assessment in Syrian hamsters.
Main Results:
- Successful isolation of the B.1.1.28.2 variant from travelers returning from the UK and Brazil.
- The B.1.1.28.2 variant caused significant body weight loss, viral replication in the respiratory tract, and severe lung pathology in hamsters compared to the B.1 variant.
- Sera from hamsters infected with B.1.1.28.2 showed efficient neutralization of the D614G variant, but sera from D614G-infected hamsters had a 6-fold reduced neutralization of the B.1.1.28.2 variant.
Conclusions:
- The B.1.1.28.2 SARS-CoV-2 lineage variant was successfully isolated and characterized.
- The P.2 variant demonstrated increased pathogenicity in the hamster model.
- Reduced neutralization observed with the B.1.1.28.2 variant raises concerns about vaccine efficacy and necessitates screening.
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