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A lot of news regarding a SARS-CoV-2 mutation. This is an important, but not unexpected. SARS-CoV-2 is a single stranded RNA virus, it will mutate.
But, this mutation is not one that escapes immune protection, it is a mutation that adapts the virus better to its host; us! 1/15
But, this mutation is not one that escapes immune protection, it is a mutation that adapts the virus better to its host; us! 1/15
The new variant does not mean current measures need to be changed: but personal distance, masks, limited travel, washing hands are even more important. So do it correct, wash hands regularly, wear your mask over your nose as well. 2/15
What is a mutant? The virus copies itself in your cells. This copying is not very accurate and mistakes are made. One such mistake can give rise to a slightly different protein: a mutation. Happens all the time. If the mutation provides a benefit, it can out compete others. 3/15
Is it dangerous? Possibly, it can infect our cells even better, survive for longer, make even more copies, etc. This has an impact on how well it spreads and may in some cases influence if it makes us more or less ill. Both is possible. 4/15
Does it escape immune detection or impact on vaccination? Probably not so much. Our immune system is made to recognise virtual anything, and the good news is it actually does! So new mutants will be recognised. 5/15
Will new mutants invalidate current vaccinations or immunity from previous infections, and will be need annual vaccinations to keep up with new mutations? 6/15
No! Comparisons with influenza (Flu) are often made; same location of infection, the upper respiratory tract, its seasonality, and its symptoms. Flu viruses also mutate, called drifts. These can give us mild disease. 7/15
But, Flu viruses mutate in two proteins on their surface (H and N), more rapidly giving rise to new strains. In addition, they can under go shifts, where complete new H or N or both are changed. 8/15
Especially new combinations of N and/or H proteins can cause new epidemics and pandemics. That is why, twice a year, new vaccine components are discussed and included for the next season. 9/15
SARS-CoV-2 has one main protein on its surface: Spike. No exchanges of Spike have been reported in the 4 known human corona viruses. But mutations will happen, but they will not escape immunity as result of vaccination or infection 10/15
Why not? Our immune system does not recognise one protein. It recognises multiple fragments of the protein, called epitopes. B cells make antibodies against multiple epitopes. Mutation in one fragment will not affect the other fragments 11/15
T cells (CD4 and CD8) recognise different fragments again, and as B cells, not only from Spike proteins. This means vaccinations, largely based on Spike, will offer a good basis for immune protection. 12/15
The purpose of vaccinations are to provide us all with a basis of immunity, preventing disease. Data is not available yet, but vaccines may not prevent infection. Is this bad? No, those infections will not make us ill. 13/15
Like 4 known human corona viruses, SARS-CoV-2 will be with us as a common cold causing virus. Re-infections will boost our immune responses, while we do not get severely ill. Our collective immunity will protect the vulnerable as well. 14/15
How? By preventing large outbreaks and keeping viral loads low. Of course as for every infection, those with compromised immune systems will be more susceptible to disease. 15/15
