Compared with SARS-CoV2 wild type's spike protein, the SARS-CoV2 omicron's receptor binding motif has adopted a more SARS-CoV1 and/or bat/civet-like structure.
Michael O. Glocker, Kwabena F.M. Opuni, Hans‐Juergen Thiesen
The paper compares the receptor binding motif of SARS-CoV2 omicron variants to wild type and SARS-CoV1/bat/civet structures, finding weaker ACE2 binding and implications for viral fitness and immune response.
bioRxiv · Dec 14, 2021 · PreprintMolecular Biology