Study reveals possible SARS-CoV-2 escape mutant that may re ...

This may actually represent mechanisms by which the new 501Y.V2 viral variant was able to replace original SARS-CoV-2 strains.More specifically, both E484K and N501Y mutations were shown an increase affinity of S RBD for human ACE2 receptor, while E484K was able to switch the charge on the flexible loop region of RBD, resulting in the formation of novel favorable contacts.The aforementioned improved affinity is a likely culprit for more rapid spread of this variant due to greater transmissibility, which is a prime reason why it is important to track these mutations and act in a timely manner.Furthermore, the induction of conformational changes is responsible for the escape of the 501Y.V2 variant (distinguished from the B.1.1.7 UK variant by the presence of E484K mutation) from neutralization by existing anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and re-infect COVID-19 convalescent individuals."We believe the MD simulation approach used here similarly represents a tool to be used in the arsenal against the continuing pandemic, as it provides insight into the likelihood mutations alone or in combination may have effects that lessen the efficacy of existing therapies or vaccines", say the authors of this study."We suggest vaccines whose efficacies are largely dependent upon humoral responses to the S antigen only are inherently limited by the emergence of novel strains and dependent upon frequent re-design," they add.On the other hand, a vaccine that evokes a vigorous T-cell response is much less subject to changes due to accruing mutations and, thus, provides a better and more efficient approach to protection against this disease.Finally, the ideal vaccine would also incorporate a second, conserved antigen (such as the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein), which would likely elicit an effective humoral and cell-mediated immune response - even when confronted with a rapidly changing virus.bioRxiv publishes preliminary scientific reports that are not peer-reviewed and, therefore, should not be regarded as conclusive, guide clinical practice/health-related behavior, or treated as established information.Posted in: Medical Research News | Disease/Infection NewsTags: ACE2, Angiotensin, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2, Antibodies, Antibody, Antigen, binding affinity, Cell, Coronavirus, Coronavirus Disease COVID-19, Efficacy, Electron, Electron Microscopy, Enzyme, Glycoprotein, Immune Response, Ion, Microscopy, Mortality, Mutation, Pandemic, Protein, Receptor, Research, Respiratory, SARS, SARS-CoV-2, Severe Acute Respiratory, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Syndrome, T-Cell, Vaccine, VirusWritten byDr. Tomislav Meštrović is a medical doctor (MD) with a Ph.D. in biomedical and health sciences, specialist in the field of clinical microbiology, and an Assistant Professor at Croatia's youngest university - University North. Retrieved on January 19, 2021 from https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210117/Study-reveals-possible-SARS-CoV-2-escape-mutant-that-may-re-infect-immune-individuals.aspx.MLAMeštrović, Tomislav. News-Medical, viewed 19 January 2021, https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210117/Study-reveals-possible-SARS-CoV-2-escape-mutant-that-may-re-infect-immune-individuals.aspx.Hi Dr. Tomislav Meštrović, do you think Ivermectin will be effective against the South African strain of Covid virus?