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Immune evasion, infectivity, and membrane fusion of the SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 variant

Haijun Tang1,2, Yanhang Zhuo1,2, Jianlin Chen1,3

  • 1Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China.

Virology Journal
|May 24, 2025
PubMed

Insights

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants BA.2.86 and JN.1 show distinct characteristics. JN.1 exhibits increased immune escape and infectivity, contributing to its rapid global spread and potential for reinfection.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) continuously mutates, leading to new Omicron subvariants like BA.2.86 and its descendants (JN.1, KP.2, KP.1.1).
  • These variants display increased transmissibility, raising concerns about viral reinfection.
  • The biological mechanisms of newly emerged Omicron subvariants in host cell infection are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the neutralization effects of convalescent sera against various SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants, including BA.2.86 and JN.1.
  • To evaluate the biological characteristics of these variants, focusing on viral infectivity, receptor affinity, and membrane fusion.
  • To explore the evolutionary traits of emerging Omicron subvariants concerning host adaptation.

Main Methods:

  • Neutralization assays using convalescent sera from individuals infected with BA.5 or XBB.1.5.
  • Evaluation of viral infectivity in susceptible cells.
  • Measurement of spike protein affinity for receptors and membrane fusion activity in 293T-ACE2 and TMPRSS2-overexpressing cells.

Main Results:

  • BA.2.86 showed diminished immune escape compared to XBB-related subvariants, while JN.1 demonstrated significantly augmented immune escape.
  • JN.1 exhibited higher infectivity in susceptible cells than BA.2.86.
  • Both BA.2.86 and JN.1 displayed low fusion activity in 293T-ACE2 cells but higher fusogenicity in TMPRSS2-overexpressing cells.

Conclusions:

  • JN.1's enhanced immune escape and infectivity correlate with its rapid transmission.
  • BA.2.86 and JN.1 possess distinct evolutionary characteristics influencing host cell entry and adaptation.
  • Findings offer insights for developing new strategies for COVID-19 prevention and treatment.
Keywords:
Immune escapeInfectivityJN.1Omicron subvariant

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