Latest Research on Indian Variant B.1.617
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants threatens efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of COVID-19 cases and deaths in India have risen steeply in recent weeks and a novel SARS-CoV-2 variant, B.1.617, is believed to be responsible for many of these cases. The spike protein of B.1.617 harbors two mutations in the receptor binding domain, which interacts with the ACE2 receptor and constitutes the main target of neutralizing antibodies. Therefore, the attached research analyzed whether B.1.617 is more adept in entering cells and/or evades antibody responses. B.1.617 entered two out of eight cell lines tested with slightly increased efficiency and was blocked by entry inhibitors. In contrast, B.1.617 was resistant against Bamlanivimab, an antibody used for COVID-19 treatment. Finally, B.1.617 evaded antibodies induced by infection or vaccination, although with moderate efficiency. Collectively, our study reveals that antibody evasion of B.1.617 may contribute to the rapid spread of this variant. more
Viewed by 406
The varients also seem to have taken their regional territories. B1.6.17 & 618 are seen in T.N. And in the north it is the U.K. Virus.An A.P. Mutant N440K, that is seen in Visakapatnam seem to be another deadly one. What wiill happen if these criss cross across India and some more variations emerge. Is there any specific solution for each of the Variant Mutants so that the pproblrm can be tackled effectively. more
May 07
