Omicron BQ.1 and BF.7 Spike and Nucleocapsid Recombinant Proteins

The Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Variant

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) was designated the fifth variant of concern (VOC) by the WHO in November, 2021 (1). Its genome contains more than 50 mutations, including at least fifteen mutations in the spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD). Omicron subvariants have replaced the previous VOCs and have become dominant across the planet due to enhanced transmissibility and immune evasion. Of the original five recognized Omicron subvariant designations (i.e., BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4, and BA.5), new lineages derived primarily from BA.2 and BA.4/5 are increasing in prevalence in different world regions.

Omicron BA.4/5 Subvariants BQ.1 and BF.7

BA.4/5 lineage subvariants account for about 77.1% of all Omicron-related lineages. BQ.1 and BF.7 are two of several BA.4/5 subvariants that are of particular concern, due primarily to their increased immune evasion and monoclonal antibody resistance capabilities. BF.7 acquired the R346T, and BQ.1 both the K444T and N460K, spike mutations. Recent work indicates that the N460K mutation plays a significant role in the enhanced neutralization resistance of BQ.1 (2). In addition, variant splintering, where distinct subvariants rise to dominance in different world regions, undermines unified vaccine design and treatment regimen plans.

GeneTex continues to expand its inventory of antibodies and recombinant proteins to support SARS-CoV-2 research. New additions are Omicron spike and nucleocapsid recombinant proteins for the BQ.1 and BF.7 lineages described above. The recombinant spike proteins are available in RBD only or ECD (Extracellular Domain) formats, with the ECD versions being trimeric. The His tag is located at the C-terminus. To learn more about these and other GeneTex reagents for Omicron research, please see the highlighted products below and visit our website at www.genetex.com.

Product information

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Spike RBD Protein, Omicron / BF.7 variant, His tag (GTX137878-pro)

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Spike RBD Protein, Omicron / BQ.1 variant, His tag (GTX137879-pro)

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Spike (ECD) Protein, Omicron / BF.7 variant, His tag (GTX137880-pro)

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Spike (ECD) Protein, Omicron / BQ.1 variant, His tag (GTX137881-pro)

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Nucleocapsid protein, Omicron / BF.7 variant, His tag (GTX137882-pro)

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Nucleocapsid protein, Omicron / BQ.1 variant, His tag (GTX137883-pro)