New Variant BA.2.86 of Covid-19 Shows Promising Results in Early Lab Experiments
Scientists worldwide are conducting urgent lab experiments to gain a better understanding of the BA.2.86 variant of the virus that causes Covid-19. Early results from studies conducted in China and Sweden have begun to emerge, offering some reassurance. Additional results are expected soon from the United States.
Initial findings suggest that BA.2.86 may not be as threatening as it initially appeared, although this perception may change as more results are obtained. BA.2.86, also known as Pirola, has garnered attention due to its significant differences from other known variants of the coronavirus. It has over 30 changes in its spike protein compared to its closest ancestor, BA.2, and the XBB.1.5 lineage.
The emergence of the BA.1 variant, also known as Omicron, taught the world the potential dangers of a highly transmissible variant. During the Omicron wave, the United States experienced a surge in infections, hospitalizations, and deaths. Vaccines had to be updated, and Omicron spawned its own offshoots, which continue to pose a challenge.
Given the similarities between BA.2.86 and Omicron, researchers have been eager to learn more about this new lineage. Thus far, BA.2.86 has been detected in at least 11 countries, including the United States, with Denmark reporting the most sequences.
However, with limited genetic surveillance, experts believe that if BA.2.86 were indeed a significant threat, it would be evident by now. Dr. Bill Hanage, co-director of Harvard University’s Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, emphasized that BA.2.86 is not a repeat of the Omicron variant.
To better understand the immune response to BA.2.86, scientists have begun conducting lab experiments using virus samples from patients or models of the virus with its spike proteins grafted onto a different virus. Early experiments conducted in China revealed that BA.2.86 elicits a weaker immune response compared to previous variants. However, it was also found to be around 60% less infectious than XBB.1.5 variants.
Similar experiments in Sweden demonstrated that antibodies collected before the emergence of the XBB variant showed limited effectiveness against BA.2.86. In contrast, more recent blood samples demonstrated a better immune response, indicating that antibodies are not completely powerless against the variant.
Although these studies have limitations and may not fully reflect the immunity in the United States, experts find the early results encouraging and eagerly await further data.
The UK’s Variant Technical Group is currently assessing whether BA.2.86 should be reclassified from a “variant under monitoring” to a “variant of concern.” The group has noted that more data is needed to determine the variant’s biological properties and growth rate before making a decision.
While the world continues to watch and wait, researchers remain cautiously optimistic that BA.2.86 may not pose as significant a threat as initially feared. The development of vaccines targeting BA.2.86 is also underway, with experts hopeful that they will provide protection against both the dominant EG.5 variant and BA.2.86.
As BA.2.86 reveals its true nature, scientists and healthcare authorities will be ready to respond and adapt to any new challenges it may present.