SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) also known as 2019-nCoV (2019 Novel Coronavirus) is a virus that causes illnesses ranging from the common cold to severe diseases. The spike protein mutation N501Y (UK variant, B.1.1.7) is one of six key contact residues within the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and has been identified as increasing binding affinity to human and murine ACE. Lineage B.1.1.7 is believed to have emerged in the United Kingdom in September 2020. Epidemiological markers suggest that the variant is more transmissible and lethal. Among the variant's several mutations is one in the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein that changes the asparagine at position 501 to tyrosine (N501Y). This mutation may cause the virus to bind more tightly to the ACE2 receptor. It is currently spread globally.