Meta-Analysis and Structural Dynamics of the Emergence of Genetic Variants of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Graphical AbstractErrors are regularly made when SARS-CoV-2 replicates its RNA genome. The viral polymerase complex is error-prone with imperfect proofreading abilities. These errors or mutations often lead to deleterious or neutral effects on the virus. However, sometimes these mutations have a positive effect and create genetic variants of the virus with different features including increased transmissibility, pathogenicity, and immune escape capabilities. When mutations work collaboratively to create a new virus feature, this is called epistasis.