4.7 Review

SARS-COV-2 Variants: Differences and Potential of Immune Evasion

Related references

Note: Only part of the references are listed.
Article Virology

Omicron variant genome evolution and phylogenetics

Mahmoud Kandeel et al.

Summary: The study investigates the evolutionary relationships and similarities between the Omicron variant and other SARS-CoV-2 variants, finding that the Omicron variant forms a new monophyletic clade distant from other variants.

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2022)

Article Virology

Sequence analysis of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant Omicron in South Africa

Lulan Wang et al.

Summary: The discovery of the Omicron variant has sparked global concerns about its mutations, transmission, and immune escape properties. Current research suggests that the variant may impact viral infectivity and host immunity, and it may evolve from clade 20B.

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2022)

Review Immunology

Proteolytic activation of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein

Makoto Takeda

Summary: This review discusses the crucial role of S protein cleavage in coronavirus infection, particularly focusing on SARS-CoV-2. The complexity of the cleavage activation mechanism of the S protein is highlighted, with different cleavage sites and motifs involved. Variants of concern with enhanced infectivity have emerged during the ongoing pandemic, demonstrating the significant impact of changes in S protein cleavability on viral infectivity and virulence.

MICROBIOLOGY AND IMMUNOLOGY (2022)

Article Immunology

The significant immune escape of pseudotyped SARS-CoV-2 variant Omicron

Youchun Wang et al.

Summary: The Omicron variant shows greater potential for immune escape compared to other variants, suggesting a significant impact on immunity from previous infections and vaccines.

EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS (2022)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

The coding capacity of SARS-CoV-2

Yaara Finkel et al.

Summary: A high-resolution map of coding regions in the SARS-CoV-2 genome enables the identification of 23 unannotated open reading frames and quantification of the expression of canonical viral open reading frames.

NATURE (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Spike mutation D614G alters SARS-CoV-2 fitness

Jessica A. Plante et al.

Summary: The D614G substitution in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein enhances viral replication and infectivity in human lung epithelial cells, primary airway tissues, and hamsters. This variant may increase transmission in the upper respiratory tract and doesn't seem to significantly reduce vaccine efficacy. Further research on therapeutic antibodies targeting the circulating G614 virus is recommended.

NATURE (2021)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

COVID-19-neutralizing antibodies predict disease severity and survival

Wilfredo F. Garcia-Beltran et al.

Summary: Severe cases of COVID-19 show increased inflammatory markers, lymphopenia, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and high antibody levels. High neutralization potency is a predictor of survival. Patient sera can neutralize different strains, indicating cross-protection from reinfection.
Article Medicine, General & Internal

Safety and efficacy of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (AZD1222) against SARS-CoV-2: an interim analysis of four randomised controlled trials in Brazil, South Africa, and the UK

Merryn Voysey et al.

Summary: The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine has been shown to have an acceptable safety profile and effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19, with higher efficacy observed in the group that received a low dose followed by a standard dose.

LANCET (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Structure of SARS-CoV-2 ORF8, a rapidly evolving immune evasion protein

Thomas G. Flower et al.

Summary: The crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 ORF8 was determined at 2.04-angstrom resolution by X-ray crystallography, revealing unique dimerization interfaces that may allow the protein to form large-scale assemblies, potentially mediating immune suppression and evasion activities.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (2021)

Article Cell Biology

D614G Mutation Alters SARS-CoV-2 Spike Conformation and Enhances Protease Cleavage at the S1/S2 Junction

Sophie M-C Gobeil et al.

Summary: The study found that the mutation variant G614 of SARS-CoV-2 leads to significant changes in the protein structure, resulting in altered positioning ratio of RBD, which may have implications for vaccine design.

CELL REPORTS (2021)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

SARS-CoV-2 501Y.V2 variants lack higher infectivity but do have immune escape

Qianqian Li et al.

Summary: The 501Y.V2 variants of SARS-CoV-2 with multiple mutations are rapidly spreading from South Africa to other countries, showing reduced susceptibility to neutralizing antibodies and potential compromise of monoclonal antibodies and vaccines. Enhanced infectivity in murine ACE2-overexpressing cells suggests the possibility of transmission to mice.
Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Reduced neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant by convalescent and vaccine sera

Piyada Supasa et al.

Summary: Research on the UK-dominant variant B.1.1.7 shows that it is harder to neutralize than the parental virus, but widespread escape from antibodies or monoclonal antibodies has not been observed yet.
Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants escape neutralization by vaccine-induced humoral immunity

Wilfredo F. Garcia-Beltran et al.

Summary: New variants of SARS-CoV-2 show high resistance to vaccine neutralization, with some able to escape vaccine responses with just a few mutations, highlighting the importance of developing broadly protective measures against variants.
Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Evidence of escape of SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.351 from natural and vaccine-induced sera

Daming Zhou et al.

Summary: The race to develop vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as B.1.1.7, B.1.351, and P.1, is ongoing as these variants have mutations in the spike protein, potentially leading to immune escape. A structure-function analysis of B.1.351 revealed tighter ACE2 binding and widespread evasion from monoclonal antibody neutralization, particularly driven by the E484K mutation.
Article Microbiology

SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 is susceptible to neutralizing antibodies elicited by ancestral spike vaccines

Xiaoying Shen et al.

Summary: Current COVID-19 vaccines target the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 spike, but the emerging B.1.1.7 variant with multiple spike mutations may impact some antibody therapies while posing no major concerns for vaccine efficacy or increased risk of reinfection.

CELL HOST & MICROBE (2021)

Article Microbiology

Genomic monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 uncovers an Nsp1 deletion variant that modulates type I interferon response

Jing-wen Lin et al.

Summary: This study utilized an integrative approach to analyze mutations of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, identifying 35 recurrent variants of clinical importance, with one variant associated with severe clinical phenotypes. The findings suggest that mutations in Nsp1 may have implications for molecular diagnostics and drug design.

CELL HOST & MICROBE (2021)

Article Microbiology

Identification of SARS-CoV-2 spike mutations that attenuate monoclonal and serum antibody neutralization

Zhuoming Liu et al.

Summary: The study found that antibodies targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein have escape mutations, different monoclonal antibodies have unique resistance profiles, some mutants are resistant to multiple antibodies while some variants can escape neutralization by convalescent sera. Comparing antibody-mediated mutations with circulating SARS-CoV-2 sequences revealed substitutions that may weaken neutralizing immune responses in some individuals, warranting further investigation.

CELL HOST & MICROBE (2021)

Review Microbiology

The variant gambit: COVID-19's next move

Jessica A. Plante et al.

Summary: Despite the development of vaccines, COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 continues to be a global concern due to the emergence of new variants, raising worries about increased spread and potential impacts on immunity.

CELL HOST & MICROBE (2021)

Article Evolutionary Biology

Rapid Spread of Mutant Alleles in Worldwide SARS-CoV-2 Strains Revealed by Genome-Wide Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Variation Analysis

Zhenglin Zhu et al.

Summary: The study reports nine newly evolved SARS-CoV-2 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) alleles that underwent rapid changes in frequency within the initial four months. These mutations show potential effects on virus replication and disease severity in COVID-19 patients, providing important insights for future epidemiological surveys and disease control.

GENOME BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION (2021)

News Item Multidisciplinary Sciences

HEAVILY MUTATED OMICRON VARIANT PUTS SCIENTISTS ON ALERT

Ewen Callaway

NATURE (2021)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant in Qatar

Patrick Tang et al.

Summary: mRNA COVID-19 vaccines demonstrate high effectiveness in preventing severe outcomes and death caused by the Delta variant in Qatar, despite lower effectiveness at blocking infection.

NATURE MEDICINE (2021)

Editorial Material Medicine, General & Internal

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines and the Growing Threat of Viral Variants

John P. Moore et al.

Summary: This article reviews the circulating SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants and the mechanisms of immunity by which they may escape vaccine-induced protection, proposing 6 measures to address these issues, including enhanced variant isolation and testing procedures, and continued adherence to mask-wearing and other established public health measures.

JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (2021)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Safety and efficacy of an rAd26 and rAd5 vector-based heterologous prime-boost COVID-19 vaccine: an interim analysis of a randomised controlled phase 3 trial in Russia

Denis Y. Logunov et al.

Summary: The Gam-COVID-Vac vaccine showed 91.6% efficacy against COVID-19 in the phase 3 trial, with good safety and tolerability in a large cohort of participants.

LANCET (2021)

Editorial Material Medicine, General & Internal

SARS-CoV-2 variants and ending the COVID-19 pandemic

Arnaud Fontanet et al.

LANCET (2021)

Editorial Material Medicine, General & Internal

Resurgence of COVID-19 in Manaus, Brazil, despite high seroprevalence

Ester C. Sabino et al.

LANCET (2021)

News Item Multidisciplinary Sciences

NOVAVAX OFFERS FIRST EVIDENCE THAT COVID VACCINES PROTECT PEOPLE AGAINST VARIANTS

Ewen Callaway et al.

NATURE (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 to mRNA vaccine-elicited antibodies

Dami A. Collier et al.

Summary: The B.1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2 exhibited reduced neutralization by vaccines and antibodies from recovered COVID-19 patients, with a more substantial loss seen when introducing the E484K mutation. This mutation poses a threat to the efficacy of the BNT162b2 vaccine.

NATURE (2021)

News Item Multidisciplinary Sciences

HOW TO REDESIGN COVID VACCINES SO THEY PROTECT AGAINST VARIANTS

Ewen Callaway et al.

NATURE (2021)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Resistance of SARS-CoV-2 variants to neutralization by monoclonal and serum-derived polyclonal antibodies

Rita E. Chen et al.

Summary: The study analyzed antibody neutralization activity against a panel of authentic isolates and chimeric SARS-CoV-2 variants, showing significantly reduced neutralizing activity against the B.1.351 variant first identified in South Africa. Antibodies targeting the receptor-binding domain and N-terminal domain, monoclonal antibodies, convalescent sera, and mRNA vaccine-induced immune sera exhibited decreased inhibitory activity against viruses with an E484K spike mutation, suggesting a need for updated monoclonal antibodies or vaccine adjustments to prevent loss of protection against emerging variants.

NATURE MEDICINE (2021)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

SARS-CoV-2 501Y.V2 escapes neutralization by South African COVID-19 donor plasma

Constantinos Kurt Wibmer et al.

Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 virus in the B.1.351 variant discovered in South Africa can evade neutralization by most antibodies when expressed, but does not affect binding by convalescent plasma. This suggests the potential for reinfection with antigenically distinct variants and predicts reduced efficacy of spike-based vaccines.

NATURE MEDICINE (2021)

Letter Medicine, General & Internal

Serum Neutralizing Activity Elicited by mRNA-1273 Vaccine

Kai Wu et al.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2021)

Editorial Material Multidisciplinary Sciences

Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern

Daniel M. Altmann et al.

SCIENCE (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 pseudovirus by BNT162b2 vaccine-elicited human sera

Alexander Muik et al.

Summary: A new SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 has emerged in the UK, which is more transmissible and faster spreading than other strains. However, a study found that the BNT162b2 vaccine offers largely preserved protection against the B.1.1.7 lineage, despite some reduced neutralizing titers.

SCIENCE (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

SARS-CoV-2 D614G spike mutation increases entry efficiency with enhanced ACE2-binding affinity

Seiya Ozono et al.

Summary: The naturally occurring mutations of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can affect cell entry, with the D614G mutation resulting in increased cell entry and maintaining susceptibility to neutralization by antisera against prototypic viruses. Further global surveillance is needed to understand the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 among humans.

NATURE COMMUNICATIONS (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Genomic mutations and changes in protein secondary structure and solvent accessibility of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19 virus)

Thanh Thi Nguyen et al.

Summary: This study analyzed genomic mutations in the coding regions of SARS-CoV-2 and their impact on protein secondary structure and solvent accessibility, indicating the establishment of a mutation dataset beneficial for virus tracking, as well as identifying stable coding genes suitable for vaccine and drug development.

SCIENTIFIC REPORTS (2021)

Editorial Material Medicine, General & Internal

Covid-19: Is Manaus the final nail in the coffin for natural herd immunity?

Luke Taylor

BMJ-BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL (2021)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

SARS-CoV-2 variants combining spike mutations and the absence of ORF8 may be more transmissible and require close monitoring

Filipe Pereira

Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern 202012/01 (VOC-202012/01) is a highly transmissible variant with a potential immune evasion ability due to truncation of the ORF8 gene. Although ORF8-deficient lineages are rare, they have been identified in relevant contexts and should be monitored closely.

BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS (2021)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.351 and P.1 escape from neutralizing antibodies

Markus Hoffmann et al.

Summary: The emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants may exhibit resistance to existing neutralizing antibodies and treatments, which could have significant implications for pandemic containment efforts.
Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Antibody evasion by the P.1 strain of SARS-CoV-2

Wanwisa Dejnirattisai et al.

Summary: Ending the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic requires global vaccination. New virus strains with mutations impact antibody responses, but some variants are less resistant than others. A monoclonal antibody can neutralize different variants and partially restore neutralization potency for other public antibodies.
Article Microbiology

SARS-CoV-2 spike variants exhibit differential infectivity and neutralization resistance to convalescent or post-vaccination sera

Alona Kuzmina et al.

Summary: Vaccines that induce high levels of neutralizing antibodies are crucial in combating COVID-19, but some variants of SARS-CoV-2 show resistance to neutralization, raising concerns about vaccine efficacy.

CELL HOST & MICROBE (2021)

Article Microbiology

Infection- and vaccine-induced antibody binding and neutralization of the B.1.351 SARS-CoV-2 variant

Venkata Viswanadh Edara et al.

Summary: Despite reduced antibody titers against the B.1.351 variant, sera from infected and vaccinated individuals containing polyclonal antibodies to the spike protein could still neutralize SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351, suggesting that protective humoral immunity may be retained against this variant.

CELL HOST & MICROBE (2021)

Article Infectious Diseases

Case series of four re-infections with a SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 variant, Luxembourg, February 2021

Therese Staub et al.

Summary: Four cases of SARS-CoV-2 re-infections with a B.1.351 variant in 2021 were reported among healthcare workers in a hospital near the border between France and Luxembourg. The healthcare workers initially used surgical masks as recommended, but switched to FFP2 masks after a cluster outbreak of the B.1.351 variant.

EUROSURVEILLANCE (2021)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Efficacy of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern 202012/01 (B.1.1.7): an exploratory analysis of a randomised controlled trial

Katherine R. W. Emary et al.

Summary: A post-hoc analysis was conducted on the efficacy of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine against the B.1.1.7 variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the UK. The vaccine showed reduced neutralisation activity against the B.1.1.7 variant in vitro, but still demonstrated efficacy against the B.1.1.7 variant of the virus.

LANCET (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Increased mortality in community-tested cases of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7

Nicholas G. Davies et al.

Summary: Studies have shown that the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 lineage is more transmissible and may cause more severe illness compared to pre-existing variants.

NATURE (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Assessing transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.1.7 in England

Erik Volz et al.

Summary: Genetic and testing data from England indicate that the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 has a transmission advantage over other lineages, showing a rapid expansion during autumn 2020. Analysis of S gene target failures (SGTF) in community-based diagnostic PCR testing suggests that B.1.1.7 is more transmissible than non-variant of concern lineages and has a significant transmission advantage, with a reproduction number 50% to 100% higher. Additionally, cases of B.1.1.7 appear to include a larger share of under 20-year-olds compared to non-variant cases.

NATURE (2021)

Letter Medicine, General & Internal

Effectiveness of the BNT162b2 Covid-19 Vaccine against the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 Variants

Laith J. Abu-Raddad et al.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2021)

Letter Medicine, General & Internal

Susceptibility of Circulating SARS-CoV-2 Variants to Neutralization

Guo-Lin Wang et al.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2021)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Efficacy of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Covid-19 Vaccine against the B.1.351 Variant

S. A. Madhi et al.

Summary: The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine did not provide significant protection against mild-to-moderate Covid-19 caused by the B.1.351 variant, with an efficacy of 10.4%. The incidence of serious adverse events was balanced between the vaccine and placebo groups.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2021)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Efficacy of NVX-CoV2373 Covid-19 Vaccine against the B.1.351 Variant

V. Shinde et al.

Summary: The NVX-CoV2373 vaccine showed efficacy in preventing Covid-19, with higher vaccine efficacy observed among HIV-negative participants. Most infections were caused by the B.1.351 variant.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2021)

Review Virology

Neutralising antibody escape of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein: Risk assessment for antibody-based Covid-19 therapeutics and vaccines

Daniele Focosi et al.

Summary: The Spike protein serves as the target for antibody-based therapeutics and vaccines, but mutations in Spike could impact their efficacy. Monitoring mutations is crucial for adjusting the therapeutics inventory. Different clades exhibit varying mutation combinations, with a focus on the UK, South African, and Brazilian variants.

REVIEWS IN MEDICAL VIROLOGY (2021)

Article Virology

Pervasive transmission of E484K and emergence of VUI-NP13L with evidence of SARS-CoV-2 co-infection events by two different lineages in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Ronaldo da Silva Francisco Jr et al.

Summary: The emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including B.1.1.28 (E484K), in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil has raised global concerns. Co-infection events and the identification of a new sample cluster named VUI-NP13L underscore the importance of strict and effective social distancing measures to combat the spread of potentially more hazardous SARS-CoV-2 strains.

VIRUS RESEARCH (2021)

Article Biology

New challenges to fighting COVID-19: Virus variants, potential vaccines, and development of antivirals

Jun Chen et al.

Summary: Despite strict control measures, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage globally. Scientists are encouraging herd immunity, highlighting the precarious nature of immunity generated after natural infection. Vaccines are considered the most promising approach to return to normality, but concerns remain regarding their accessibility, vaccination rate, and efficacy against emerging virus variants.

BIOSCIENCE TRENDS (2021)

Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Changes in symptomatology, reinfection, and transmissibility associated with the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7: an ecological study

Mark S. Graham et al.

Summary: The study showed that the B.1.1.7 variant did not result in changes in COVID-19 symptoms or duration of illness, and there was no significant increase in reinfection rate compared to previous variants.

LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH (2021)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Reduced neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 by vaccine and convalescent serum

Chang Liu et al.

Summary: Recent study examined the neutralizing ability of monoclonal antibodies, convalescent and vaccine sera against the Indian variants B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2, showing that the neutralization of these variants is reduced compared to the ancestral strains, without widespread antibody escape as seen in other variants like B.1.351.
Article Infectious Diseases

Neutralising capacity against Delta (B.1.617.2) and other variants of concern following Comirnaty (BNT162b2, BioNTech/Pfizer) vaccination in health care workers, Israel

Yaniv Lustig et al.

Summary: The study found that healthcare workers vaccinated with Comirnaty showed reduced neutralising titres against the Gamma, Beta, and Delta variants, but the remaining neutralisation capacity may still be protective.

EUROSURVEILLANCE (2021)

Editorial Material Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

The reproductive number of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 is far higher compared to the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 virus

Ying Liu et al.

Summary: The Delta variant is rapidly replacing other strains of SARS-CoV-2, with a higher R-0 value of 5.08 compared to the ancestral strain's 2.79. Increasing vaccine coverage and strengthening public health measures are now more urgent than ever to control the spread of the virus.

JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE (2021)

Article Virology

Serum Neutralizing Activity of mRNA-1273 against SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Angela Choi et al.

Summary: The study demonstrates that vaccination with the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine produces neutralizing antibodies against various emerging variants, including variants of concern and interest. While neutralization of some variants may be reduced compared to the wild-type virus, the protective effect is still present, informing vaccination strategies against COVID-19.

JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY (2021)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Efficacy and safety of an inactivated whole-virion SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (CoronaVac): interim results of a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial in Turkey

Mine Durusu Tanriover et al.

Summary: The study presented the interim efficacy and safety results of the CoronaVac vaccine in a phase 3 clinical trial in Turkey, demonstrating high efficacy against PCR-confirmed symptomatic COVID-19 with good safety and tolerability profile. Results showed significant differences in the frequency of any adverse events between the vaccine and placebo groups, indicating excellent protective effects of the vaccine.

LANCET (2021)

Letter Infectious Diseases

Serum neutralising activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants elicited by CoronaVac

Yuxin Chen et al.

LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES (2021)

News Item Multidisciplinary Sciences

THE RUSH TO STUDY FAST-SPREADING CORONAVIRUS VARIANTS

David Adam

NATURE (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Reduced sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 variant Delta to antibody neutralization

Delphine Planas et al.

Summary: The SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 Delta variant, first identified in India in 2020, has become dominant in some regions and is spreading to many countries. This variant shows resistance to certain monoclonal antibodies and antibodies in convalescent sera, as well as reduced neutralization by some COVID-19 vaccines. Administration of two doses of the vaccine is needed for a neutralizing response against the Delta variant.

NATURE (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Immunogenicity of Ad26.COV2.S vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 variants in humans

Galit Alter et al.

Summary: The Ad26.COV2.S vaccine has shown clinical efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19, including the B.1.351 variant, but there is uncertainty regarding its immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2 variants. The study found that neutralizing antibody responses were reduced against the B.1.351 and P.1 variants, while non-neutralizing antibody responses and T cell responses were largely preserved against SARS-CoV-2 variants.

NATURE (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

BNT162b2-elicited neutralization of B.1.617 and other SARS-CoV-2 variants

Jianying Liu et al.

Summary: Serum samples from individuals vaccinated with the BNT162b2 vaccine can neutralize various SARS-CoV-2 variants, indicating mass immunization as a central strategy to end the global COVID-19 pandemic.

NATURE (2021)

Review Microbiology

SARS-CoV-2 variants, spike mutations and immune escape

William T. Harvey et al.

Summary: The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has been characterized by the emergence of mutations and variants that impact virus characteristics. Manufacturers are preparing for possible updates to vaccines in response to changes in the virus population, and it is crucial to monitor genetic and antigenic changes alongside experiments to understand the impacts of mutations.

NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY (2021)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

Effectiveness of an Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine in Chile

Alejandro Jara et al.

Summary: A study in Chile involving 10.2 million participants assessed the effectiveness of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine developed in China. Fully immunized individuals had vaccine effectiveness of 65.9% for preventing Covid-19 and 87.5% for preventing hospitalization, 90.3% for preventing ICU admission, and 86.3% for preventing death.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2021)

Letter Medicine, General & Internal

Infection and Vaccine-Induced Neutralizing-Antibody Responses to the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 Variants

Venkata-Viswanadh Edara et al.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2021)

Article Virology

Insights into SARS-CoV-2 evolution, potential antivirals, and vaccines

Ahmed S. Abdel-Moneim et al.

Summary: SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus, has caused over 100 million laboratory-confirmed cases worldwide. The virus is similar to a coronavirus from horseshoe bats and likely originated from spillover from bats or other wild animals to humans. Current data indicate that reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 is related to neutralizing antibodies levels, and there are sustained memory responses following infection. Vaccines and antivirals like remdesivir are being used to combat the virus, but evaluation against emerging variants is necessary.

VIROLOGY (2021)

Article Immunology

SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern partially escape humoral but not T- cell responses in COVID-19 convalescent donors and vaccinees

Daryl Geers et al.

Summary: This study suggests that some variants might partially escape humoral immunity induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection or BNT162b2 vaccination, but the S-specific CD4(+) T-cell activation is not affected by the mutations in the B.1.1.7 and B.1.351 variants.

SCIENCE IMMUNOLOGY (2021)

Article Immunology

Neutralizing Activity of Sera from Sputnik V-Vaccinated People against Variants of Concern (VOC: B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, B.1.617.2, B.1.617.3) and Moscow Endemic SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Vladimir A. Gushchin et al.

Summary: Since the beginning of 2021, all the main six vaccines against COVID-19 have been used in mass vaccination globally. Concerns have been raised regarding the decreasing virus neutralization and epidemiological efficacy against certain genotypes, and further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of the Sputnik V vaccine against variants of concern.

VACCINES (2021)

Article Microbiology

SARS-CoV-2 Spike Mutations, L452R, T478K, E484Q and P681R, in the Second Wave of COVID-19 in Maharashtra, India

Sarah Cherian et al.

Summary: Genomic epidemiology and whole genome sequencing were used to investigate the transmission and evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus during the global pandemic. The study identified new variants B.1.617.1 and B.1.617.2 in India, responsible for the second wave of COVID-19 in Maharashtra, with B.1.617.2 designated as a VOC delta and B.1.617.1 as a variant of interest kappa. Monitoring of these and emerging variants in India is crucial for public health.

MICROORGANISMS (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 Delta variant replication and immune evasion

Petra Mlcochova et al.

Summary: The B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant of SARS-CoV-2 has lower sensitivity to antibodies and higher replication efficiency compared to other lineages, which may contribute to its dominance and reduced vaccine effectiveness, highlighting the need for continued infection control measures post-vaccination.

NATURE (2021)

Letter Infectious Diseases

Genetic emergence of B.1.617.2 in COVID-19

L. Kirola

Summary: Global proactive steps are being taken to fight against the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and prevent COVID-19 spread, but the recent identification of the novel variant B.1.617.2 in India is rapidly transmitting to other countries, posing challenges to current therapeutics, widespread vaccination, and future research on COVID-19.

NEW MICROBES AND NEW INFECTIONS (2021)

Review Critical Care Medicine

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and potential intervention approaches

Jasmin Khateeb et al.

Summary: Mutations in VOCs can increase the transmissibility of the virus and potentially impact vaccine efficacy, highlighting the need for combination therapeutic strategies.

CRITICAL CARE (2021)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

The D614G mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein: Implications for viral infectivity, disease severity and vaccine design

Danielle C. Groves et al.

Summary: The global spread of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has triggered extensive genetic sequencing efforts to characterize the geographical distribution and molecular evolution of the virus. The emergence of the D614G variant as the dominant form worldwide has led to discussions about its effects on virus characteristics, clinical outcomes of infection, and host immune response.

BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS (2021)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 on mink farms between humans and mink and back to humans

Bas B. Oude Munnink et al.

Summary: Animal experiments have shown that various animals can be infected by SARS-CoV-2, with evidence of animal-to-human transmission within mink farms. Investigation into mink farm outbreaks revealed that the virus was initially introduced by humans and has since evolved, causing transmission between mink farms. Despite enhanced biosecurity measures and culling, transmission occurred between farms in three large clusters with unknown modes of transmission, resulting in a high percentage of infections among mink farm residents and employees.

SCIENCE (2021)

Article Medicine, General & Internal

A Novel Coronavirus from Patients with Pneumonia in China, 2019

Na Zhu et al.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2020)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

The Architecture of SARS-CoV-2 Transcriptome

Dongwan Kim et al.

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Cell entry mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2

Jian Shang et al.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (2020)

Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Variant analysis of SARS-CoV-2 genomes

Takahiko Koyama et al.

BULLETIN OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (2020)

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Structural and Functional Analysis of the D614G SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Variant

Leonid Yurkovetskiy et al.

Article Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Molecular Architecture of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus

Hangping Yao et al.

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Adaptation of SARS-CoV-2 in BALB/c mice for testing vaccine efficacy

Hongjing Gu et al.

SCIENCE (2020)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

A SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidate would likely match all currently circulating variants

Bethany Dearlove et al.

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (2020)

Article Cell Biology

Evasion of Type I Interferon by SARS-CoV-2

Hongjie Xia et al.

CELL REPORTS (2020)

Letter Medicine, General & Internal

Persistence and Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in an Immunocompromised Host

Bina Choi et al.

NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE (2020)

Review Oncology

Immune responses during COVID-19 infection

Clea Melenotte et al.

ONCOIMMUNOLOGY (2020)

Article Virology

Thinking Outside the Triangle: Replication Fidelity of the Largest RNA Viruses

Everett Clinton Smith et al.

ANNUAL REVIEW OF VIROLOGY, VOL 1 (2014)