Validation of an MLV-based SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus neutralization assay substantiates L455S-mediated antibody escape
Dominik Moll·Karin Stiasny·Lukas Weseslindtner·Judith H. Aberle·Iris Medits·Stephan W. Aberle·David N. Springer
Abstract The ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has generated variants with increased transmissibility and immune evasion, primarily driven by mutations in the receptor-binding domain (RBD). Recent Omicron sublineages, including JN.1, have multiple spike substitutions, including L455S, which is associated with antibody evasion and persists in descendant and currently circulating lineages. While live virus neutralization assays (VNTs) remain the gold standard for evaluating immune responses, their b