Structural insights into the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron RBD-ACE2 interaction

Dear Editor, The global fight against the COVID-19 pandemic is still in great uncertainty due to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants,especially the variants of concern(VOCs)with changed patho-genicity,increased transmissibility and the resistance to con-valescent/vaccination sera and monoclonal neutralizing antibodies.1,2 As a newly reported VOC,the Omicron variant has caused great concern with 32 mutations in the spike glycoprotein including unprecedented 15 mutations in the receptor-binding domain(RBD),which would have significant impact on the viral infectivity and the protection effects of approved vaccines and therapeutic antibodies.3,4 A detailed description of the Omicron spike and its interactions with ACE2 receptor and neutralizing antibodies is essential for fully understanding the infection and immune escape of the Omicron variant at the molecular level.