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Updated: Sep 26, 2025
Author Spotlight: A Pseudotype Virus System for Assessing Omicron Subvariants and Neutralizing Antibodies in SARS-CoV-2 Research
Published on: September 8, 2023
Increased resistance of SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant to antibody neutralization
Huimin Guo1, Qing Fan1, Shuo Song1
1Institute for Hepatology, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital; The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518112, Guangdong Province, China.
The SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant shows reduced sensitivity to antibodies from infection or vaccination due to spike protein mutations. This highlights the need for continuous monitoring of viral evolution and its impact on immunity.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants poses a significant global health challenge.
- Lambda (lineage C.37) is a notable SARS-CoV-2 variant of interest that has spread internationally.
- Understanding variant neutralization sensitivity is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the reduced neutralization sensitivity of the SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant.
- To assess the impact of Lambda variant's spike protein mutations on antibody neutralization.
- To investigate the resistance of the Lambda variant to neutralizing antibodies.
Main Methods:
- Neutralization assays using plasma from individuals with natural SARS-CoV-2 infection and inactivated vaccine recipients.
- Analysis of spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) substitutions (L452Q and F490S) in the Lambda variant.
- Testing neutralization by 12 published neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) with defined structures against the Lambda variant.
Main Results:
- The Lambda variant exhibited significantly reduced neutralization by polyclonal antibodies from natural infection and inactivated vaccines.
- Spike protein RBD substitutions L452Q and F490S were identified as key contributors to reduced neutralization, with F490S having a greater effect.
- The Lambda variant demonstrated resistance to neutralization by specific Class 2 and Class 3 neutralizing antibodies.
Conclusions:
- Pre-existing antibody neutralization from prior infection or vaccination is significantly decreased against the SARS-CoV-2 Lambda variant.
- The findings underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance for viral mutations and their impact on immune evasion.
- Continuous monitoring is essential to adapt public health interventions against evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants.
