Table 1 Mutations and evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 variants

Alpha (B.1.1.7 lineage)

• 17 mutations

• The viral genome

[26,27,28]

• 8 mutations (especially N501Y)

• Increased spike protein binding to ACE 2 receptors

• Making the viral attachment stronger

Beta (B.1.351 lineage)

• 9 mutations (D614G, D80A, D215G, R246I, K417N, E484K, N501Y, L18F and A701V)

• S protein

[27, 29, 30]

• 3 mutations (K417N, E484K, and N501Y)

• Located in the RBD and increase the ACE receptors' binding affinity

Gamma (P.1 lineage)

• 10 mutations (L18F, T20N, P26S, D138Y, R190S, H655Y, T1027I V1176, K417T, E484K, and N501Y)

• Spike protein

[27, 31, 32]

• 3 mutations (L18F, K417N, E484K)

• Similar to the B.1.351 variant and located in the RBD

Delta (B.1.617.2 lineage)

• 10 mutations (T19R, R158G, (G142D), L452R, T478K, D614G, P681R, D950N,156del, 157del)

• Effect on spike protein

[27, 33]

Omicron (B.1.1.529 lineage)

• 30 mutations (T91, G204R, P13L, E31del, R32del, R203K,S33del, D3G, A63T, Q19E, N211/L212I, G142D, T95I, V70, H69, A67V, Y145del, Y144del, Y143del, G496S, Q493R, E484A, T478K, S477N, Q498R, G446S, N440K, S375F, S373P, S371L, G339D, N501Y,Y505H,K417N, D796Y, L981F, Q954H, N969K

• Envelope

• Nucleocapsid protein

• Matrix

• Domain at the spike protein's N-terminus

• The RBD of the spike

• Fusion peptide of the spike

• Spike protein and NSPs

[27, 34, 35]