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Chinese scientists argue that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has already undergone at least six serious mutations since January. It increased its infectivity and resistance to the reactions of the human immune system. How will this news affect vaccine development?
Researchers from the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease in Guangzhou and the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center write in an unreviewed article that COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, has been spreading among people much longer than expected.
During this time, the virus managed to “adapt” to humans and mutated so as to infect and bypass immune system responses as effectively as possible. To penetrate the host cells, the coronavirus uses the S protein, which is located at the top of the spikes. The protein binds with the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE2). Chinese scientists argue that thanks to the mutations, the coronavirus “improved” the strength of this binding.
One mutation in the N439K gene resulted in the addition of another binding between the peak protein and ACE. Further, the coronavirus could destroy the ionic bonds between the virus and the IgG antibody that was supposed to neutralize it.
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The COVID-19 vaccine is like the flu vaccine
Although experts argue that coronaviruses mutate more slowly than, for example, the influenza virus, it may turn out that, as in the case of influenza, vaccination against coronavirus will also be seasonal.
– Each virus changes over time. Currently, we have closed borders and viruses in Poland evolve independently of coronaviruses, e.g. in Germany. We see variability that looks slightly different in each case, but this does not mean that new strains have actually appeared, explained Prof. Krzysztof Pyrć and added: As for SARS-CoV-2, I expect that in time there will actually be separate strains, but this will not happen in the near future.
The discovery of Chinese scientists is very important because it shows that we need to be ready for the coronavirus to mutate (maybe not every year like the flu) and that the development of a vaccine will be a cyclical process.
Professor Pyrć also pointed out that for 20 years we have been trying to find a vaccine for coronaviruses and so far we have not been able to do so. “I hope, however, that by engaging such large resources, processing capacity and smart people, it will be possible to do it” – summed up Pyrć.
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Should a COVID-19 vaccine (if developed) be mandatory? Share your opinion on [email protected] It is also worth knowing what the candidates for the presidency of Poland think about the COVID-19 vaccination? We have collected their statements for you