The figure highlights the SARS-CoV-2 clades containing RBD mutations investigated in this study. The phylogenetic trees were constructed as in
Figure 1A from SARS-CoV-2 sequences accessed on 22 April 2021 (N = 3914). (
A) N501Y has emerged independently in the three clades 501Y.V1, 501Y.V2, and 501Y.V3. Mutation to T at this position has also occurred frequently. (
B) E484K has also been observed independently of its main progenitor clades 501Y.V2 and 501Y.V3. E484Q and E484G have also been observed. (
C) S477N has been observed beyond clades 20 F and 20A.EU2. Mutations to I and R have also been occasionally observed at this position. (
D) Mutations of K417 to N and T have been observed almost exclusively in the 20 H.501Y.V2 and 20 J.501Y.V3 clades.