Fig. 1.

Representation of mutations on the spike gene of the Omicron variant (BA.1 lineage). Many mutations in the S-protein, particularly in the RBD of S-protein, lead to the enhanced interaction with ACE2 receptors. The enhanced binding properties of RBD with ACE2 have been postulated as a critical reason for the increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant [19]. Abbreviations: S-protein (Spike protein), RBD (Receptor Binding Domain), ACE2 (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2) (Source: https://www.who.int/).