Omicron Antigens Now Available

About the Omicron Variant

The novel B.1.1.529 SARS-CoV-2 variant was designated Omicron on the 26^th November, following its increasing prevalence in South Africa. Harbouring more than 30 mutations in its Spike gene, the principal concerns surround Omicron’s infectivity, virulence and ability to circumvent vaccine protection.

To understand the threat that Omicron poses, researchers have begun closely tracking its spread and investigating all facets of its biology. The nature of research carried out so far follows that of other variants, including analysis of epidemiological data, in vitro binding studies and computational modelling. So far, little is known about the new variant. However, parallels with other variants and emerging data are beginning to give an indication.

Omicron shares multiple mutations with other SARS-CoV-2 variants that have been shown to mediate increased transmissibility and antibody escape, while the effects of many new mutations are yet unknown. Accumulating epidemiological data also supports increased transmissibility over Delta, which Omicron may displace in time. The increases in transmissibility are not yet clear at the mutation-level. However, data from South Africa suggests that higher transmission is in part driven by the ability for Omicron to evade a greater degree of natural and vaccine-induced immunity, especially in younger age groups.

Our Antigens

The Native Antigen Company now offers three Spike antigens for the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant: 

Whole Spike Antigen (REC32008)

Our trimeric whole Spike antigen is stabilised as a pre-fusion trimer via six amino acid (HexaPro) changes in the S2 subunit, in addition to a GSAS mutation in the furin cleavage site and a His-Strep-tag at the C-terminus for ease of purification.

Spike S1 Antigen (REC32006)

Our Spike S1 antigen includes residues 1-674 of the full Spike sequence and a C-terminal sheep Fc-tag for ease of purification.

Spike RBD Antigen

Our Spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) antigen includes residues 319-542 of the full Spike sequence and a C-terminal His-tag for ease of purification.

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