Increasing the frequency of omicron variant mutations boosts the immune response and may reduce the virus virulence

The coronavirus has posed a serious threat to the world since its discovery in Wuhan in 2019. Beta, gamma, delta, and the final omicron variants have emerged as a result of several mutations in the virion structure. The Australian Omicron S protein variant contains 37 mutations out of a total of 67 mutations. According to pre-liminary data from South Africa, Omicron variant infection is not associated with any particular symptoms. The purpose of this research was to determine how changes in the structure of the S protein alter the protein's interaction with the ACE2 receptor. The Omicron variant stimulates the immune response more than the wild strain.

Automated summary

Since its discovery in Wuhan in 2019, the coronavirus has posed a serious threat to the world. Multiple variants, including beta, gamma, delta, and the latest omicron variant, have emerged due to mutations in the virion structure. The Australian omicron S protein variant carries 37 out of a total of 67 mutations. Preliminary data from South Africa suggests that infection with the omicron variant is not associated with specific symptoms. This research aimed to investigate how changes in the S protein structure affect its interaction with the ACE2 receptor. The omicron variant stimulates immune responses more strongly than the wild strain.