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I am a genomics researcher and I investigated mutations in more than 50,000 coronavirus genomes so far this year.
This new variant has a number of features that could raise concern and warrant further study. https://bit.ly/2LUwc9M
This new variant has a number of features that could raise concern and warrant further study. https://bit.ly/2LUwc9M
Why is the UK variant different?
It is defined by an unusual number and combination of mutations.
One of these mutations, N501Y, has previously been shown to increase binding of the virus to receptors in our cells.
The functional effect of these mutations are to be determined.
It is defined by an unusual number and combination of mutations.
One of these mutations, N501Y, has previously been shown to increase binding of the virus to receptors in our cells.
The functional effect of these mutations are to be determined.
How do virus mutations happen?
Mutations are a natural part of virus evolution. Most viral mutations are expected to have no impact.
However, every so often a mutation, or in this case a particular combination of mutations, may strike lucky and offer the virus a new advantage.
Mutations are a natural part of virus evolution. Most viral mutations are expected to have no impact.
However, every so often a mutation, or in this case a particular combination of mutations, may strike lucky and offer the virus a new advantage.
Where did the variant come from?
We don’t know yet. The theory that the variant had been introduced from abroad cannot be supported by science at this time.
The patterns of mutations observed are more supportive of an extended period of adaptive evolution most likely in the UK.
We don’t know yet. The theory that the variant had been introduced from abroad cannot be supported by science at this time.
The patterns of mutations observed are more supportive of an extended period of adaptive evolution most likely in the UK.
Is the variant more dangerous?
Chief medical officer for England stated that there was no evidence to date that this variant alters disease severity, either in terms of mortality or the seriousness of the cases of COVID-19 for those infected. Work is underway to confirm this.
Chief medical officer for England stated that there was no evidence to date that this variant alters disease severity, either in terms of mortality or the seriousness of the cases of COVID-19 for those infected. Work is underway to confirm this.
What does the variant mean for the vaccine?
We don’t yet know but we should be reassured that vaccines stimulate a broad antibody response to the entire spike protein, so it is anticipated that their efficacy will not be significantly hampered by mutations.
We don’t yet know but we should be reassured that vaccines stimulate a broad antibody response to the entire spike protein, so it is anticipated that their efficacy will not be significantly hampered by mutations.
It is conceivable that we may reach a point where we are required to update our COVID-19 vaccines, as we do for influenza.
That's because there is a body of evidence that other species of seasonal coronaviruses exhibit some ability to escape immunity over longer time periods.
That's because there is a body of evidence that other species of seasonal coronaviruses exhibit some ability to escape immunity over longer time periods.
