New Research Reveals Eris Lineage of SARS-CoV-2 Evades Antibodies, Vaccines Remain Effective
A newly emerged lineage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, known as Eris, has been found to have moderate antibody escape capabilities, according to recent research. The sublineage EG.5.1 of the Eris lineage is particularly adept at evading neutralizing antibodies, giving it an advantage in infecting individuals who have been vaccinated or previously infected with the virus.
The study, conducted by scientists from the German Primate Center – Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, aimed to understand the factors contributing to the increasing spread of the Eris sublineage EG.5.1. While EG.5.1 was found to be no more infectious than previous lineages, it demonstrated a greater ability to escape neutralizing antibodies. This means that individuals with antibodies produced from vaccination or past infection may be more susceptible to EG.5.1 infection.
Despite the concerning findings, researchers remain optimistic about the effectiveness of vaccines. The forthcoming vaccines based on the XBB.1.5 lineage of SARS-CoV-2 are expected to be effective against the Eris lineage, including EG.5.1. These adapted vaccines, which will be deployed in the coming months, are designed to address the minor differences between the various SARS-CoV-2 lineages.
The research also emphasized that the severity of illnesses caused by the Eris lineage remains unchanged. While EG.5 and EG.5.1 are spreading rapidly, there is currently no evidence to suggest that infections with these variants lead to more severe symptoms.
The findings highlight the importance of continued vaccination efforts, particularly for high-risk groups and their close contacts. Booster vaccinations, known as booster shots, are recommended to further train the immune system to counter newly emerging virus variants. The rapid development of vaccines has played a significant role in reducing large waves of infections outside of the typical cold and wet seasons.
The research, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, provides valuable insights into the evolving nature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the effectiveness of vaccines against emerging lineages. As scientists continue to study the virus and its variants, ongoing vigilance and adherence to public health measures remain crucial in controlling the spread of COVID-19.
Reference:
“Neutralisation sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 lineages EG.5.1 and XBB.2.3” by Lu Zhang, Amy Kempf, Inga Nehlmeier, Anne Cossmann, Alexandra Dopfer-Jablonka, Metodi V Stankov, Sebastian R Schulz, Hans-Martin Jäck, Georg MN Behrens, Stefan Pöhlmann, and Markus Hoffmann, The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 13 September 2023, DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(23)00547-9