RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 SARS-CoV-2 501Y.V2 escapes neutralization by South African COVID-19 donor plasma JF bioRxiv FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory SP 2021.01.18.427166 DO 10.1101/2021.01.18.427166 A1 Wibmer, Constantinos Kurt A1 Ayres, Frances A1 Hermanus, Tandile A1 Madzivhandila, Mashudu A1 Kgagudi, Prudence A1 Oosthuysen, Brent A1 Lambson, Bronwen E. A1 de Oliveira, Tulio A1 Vermeulen, Marion A1 van der Berg, Karin A1 Rossouw, Theresa A1 Boswell, Michael A1 Ueckermann, Veronica A1 Meiring, Susan A1 von Gottberg, Anne A1 Cohen, Cheryl A1 Morris, Lynn A1 Bhiman, Jinal N. A1 Moore, Penny L. YR 2021 UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2021/03/01/2021.01.18.427166.abstract AB SARS-CoV-2 501Y.V2 (B.1.351), a novel lineage of coronavirus causing COVID-19, contains substitutions in two immunodominant domains of the spike protein. Here, we show that pseudovirus expressing 501Y.V2 spike protein completely escapes three classes of therapeutically relevant antibodies. This pseudovirus also exhibits substantial to complete escape from neutralization, but not binding, by convalescent plasma. These data highlight the prospect of reinfection with antigenically distinct variants and foreshadows reduced efficacy of spike-based vaccines.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.