SPIKE PROTEIN MUTATIONS
Why scientists call PJ.2.1 a ‘jump’ variant: The COVID strain that arrived with dozens of mutations at once and spreads by gripping your cells more tightly
A new variant of SARS-CoV-2, named PJ.2.1, was detected in Canada and has spread globally. It has over 25 mutations in its spike protein, which enhance its binding to human cells. Researchers are observing its spread in countries like the US, Spain, and Australia among others. Currently, there is no evidence linking PJ.2.1 to increased severity of illness or hospitalization.
As COVID cases rise again, what do you need to know about the new FLiRT variants?
FLirt Covid 19 Virus: Scientists are studying the FLiRT variants, subvariants of the Omicron lineage, which may be more contagious and evade immunity better. The FLiRT variants, derived from the JN.1 variant, are demonstrating increased 'fitness' and may become the dominant subvariants in Australia. Booster shots targeting Omicron XBB.1.5 provide significant protection against severe illness.
Covid virus' 'most muted variant' found in Indonesia, claim scientists. What we know so far
Covid pandemic has subsided but the most mutated variant of coronavirus has been found in Indonesia. The new variant of the covid virus has been submitted to the world genomics database, according to reports.
Tightly twisted core of stem of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein made its variants fit: Study
The core of the stem of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein has become progressively tighter and more rigid, making the virus more stable and better at transmitting, according to a study by researchers from Pennsylvania State University. The Omicron variant's stem is the tightest it can be, the study found. The research, which used a technique called amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, indicated that vaccines targeting newer variants may be effective for longer than those that target the original variant.
Scientists find 'weak point' in COVID-19 variants
Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) was employed in the study, which was published on Thursday in the journal Nature Communications, to disclose the atomic-level structure of the weak area on the virus' spike protein, also known as an epitope or region to which an antibody attaches itself.
Scientists find how Omicron sub variants escape immune system, spread rapidly
The researchers said it is possible that the continuing accumulation of mutations may set the stage for greatly altering the equilibrium and stability of the spike protein in a way that allows for new, more virulent strains to develop. Understanding this evolution is critical to better inform future therapeutic targets and vaccine formulations, as the SARS-CoV-2 virus will continue to evolve with new variants inevitably arising and spreading, they said.
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Indian-origin scientist among UBC researchers unveil world's 1st molecular-level analysis of Omicron
Dr Sriram Subramaniam, professor in UBC faculty of medicine's department of biochemistry and molecular biology, said that Omicron has greater binding affinity than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus, with levels more comparable to what seen with the Delta variant.
Computer model predicts Omicron may evolve to increase transmission, immune escape
The scientists from Boston College in the US developed a computer model that can predict mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and provide insights into future variants of concern before they emerge. "We find that Omicron has not reached its full potential to bind human host cells," said Babak Momeni, Assistant Professor at Boston College.
Scientists identify antibodies that can block Omicron variant
Scientists have identified antibodies that neutralise Omicron and other variants of coronavirus by targeting areas that remain essentially unchanged as the virus mutates. The research, published in the journal Nature, may help design vaccines and antibody treatments that will be effective against not only Omicron but other variants that may emerge in the future.
New data shows GSK-Vir drug works against all Omicron mutations
The data, yet to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, shows that the companies' treatment, sotrovimab, is effective against all 37 identified mutations to date in the spike protein, GSK said in a statement.
Covaxin may provide better defence against Omicron: Top health expert
K Srinath Reddy called for laboratory and clinical tests to understand how the Omicron variant, which has the highest spike protein mutations among all the variants, behaves with vaccines.
Is RT-PCR enough for testing Omicron variant? Need a modified test for travellers, says Insacog
RT-PCR is the current gold-standard of Covid-19 testing. However, the experts at Insacog suggested that a modified test should be done for identifying the variant.
Omicron reportedly has 30+ mutations in spike protein region, may bypass vaccines: AIIMS chief Randeep Guleria
The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia INSACOG is closely tracking the new variant of COVID-19 called B.1.1.529 and its presence has not been detected yet in the country, officials have said.
New Covid variant could be more infectious, finds study
The new variant was first found in South Africa in May, scientists from National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP)Scientists from National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP) said.
Covid antibody that protects against broad range of variants identified
The new antibody attaches to a part of the virus that differs little across the variants, meaning that it is unlikely for resistance to arise at this spot, the researchers said.
Current Covid vaccines may be less effective against Beta variant: Study
Present on the surface of SARS-COV-2, spike proteins enable the virus to attach to and enter our cells, and all current vaccines are directed against them.
View: Delta+ calls for caution, not panic. Viruses mutate, but its spike protein & antigens are being pounded by vaccines
Designation of the newly emerged Delta-plus as a “variant of concern” has triggered a debate on implications for viral transmission and vaccine efficacy. This variant is also called AY.1.
Delta variant's ability to evade antibodies could be the cause of some Covid reinfections
A paper published by a group of researchers at Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre currently being peer-reviewed, claims that the changes in the Delta variant (B.1.167.2) made it ‘escape’ the antibodies gained by a person either through earlier infection or through intervention like vaccination. Researchers have advocated genomic sequencing for better monitoring of new variants.
Covishield or Covaxin: Mutant strains in some West Bengal patients raise concerns over vaccine efficacy
While some argued that the mutated strains may not be resisted by vaccines, others pointed out that both Covishield and Covaxin were designed to provide enough coverage to justify the jab. If some argued that Covaxin could be a better wall against mutated strains, others felt that Covishield was more precise.
No proof COVID second wave due to virus variants, but it is possible: Virologist Shahid Jameel
Virologist Shahid Jameel, who has won the coveted Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize, said the rollout of vaccines has caused a false sense of security among people. He further said there is so far no evidence that the second wave is due to variant viruses. "But this is possible".
Faster spread of some coronavirus variants could be due to sturdier protein, say scientists
Researchers, including those from the Boston Children's Hospital in the US assessed the structure of the coronavirus spike protein down to the atomic level, and found how it changed with the D614G mutation which is carried by the Brazil, South Africa and UK variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Novel method to predict emergence of worrisome coronavirus variants
The study posted in the platform bioRxiv, and yet-to-be peer-reviewed, assessed 3,11,795 genome sequences of the coronavirus spike protein and found mutations altering the amino acid building blocks that make up the protein.
N440K coronavirus variant spreading more in southern states: CCMB study
A comprehensive analysis of coronavirus variants in the country and their evolution during the pandemic by the scientists presented in a recent publication suggested new types would keep emerging due to natural process of mutation and the best way to control the potential damage by their spread is through extensive genome surveillance, a release from CCMB said.
Mutation in spike protein dominant form of Covid, eight times more infectious
The study confirms findings that D614G, one of the mutations, makes the virus more transmissible.
COVID-19 shots might be tweaked if variants get worse
The makers of COVID-19 vaccines are figuring out how to tweak their recipes against worrisome virus mutations - and regulators are looking to flu as a blueprint if and when the shots need an update.
Pfizer vaccine can neutralise coronavirus variants first reported in UK, SA: Study
According to the scientists, including those from the University of Texas in the US, these variants have a substitution of the amino acid building blocks that make up the viral spike protein -- the part of the virus which enables it to enter human cells.
New Covid-19 strain could have entered India prior to December, says AIIMS Director
When asked if the Covid-19 mutation which has 70 per cent more infectious was present in India before it was officially reported in the country in December, Guleria told ANI: "There is a possibility that this may happen because we must remember that this strain was first reported in the end of September and there were people who have an infection with this strain in UK"
Scientists say UK strain unlikely to affect efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, warn against more mutations
More than 40 countries, including India, have banned travel to and from the UK, a move several scientists said was necessary in view of the rapid spread of the new viral strain, VUI-202012/0, that was detected on September 21.
Novel coronavirus can undergo mutations that may make it more deadly & contagious, says study
The spike protein is also continuing to accumulate additional mutations.
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