Dynamics of the interaction between the receptor-binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2.

Though mutations K417N and G496S in the S protein RBD disrupt interactions found in the original SARS-CoV-2 complex, mutations Q493R and N501Y introduce interactions not found in the original complex. Interaction at a key viral hotspot and hydrophobic contacts at ACE2's N-terminus were preserved, but intermolecular hydrogen bonds and polar contacts in the S-ACE2 interface were lower than in the original SARS-CoV-2 interface.