2023-08-14 05:29:00
Medical Genome Center Uncovers Mutations in Omicron Strain of COVID-19
The Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital’s Medical Genome Center took to Facebook to announce their latest findings on the mutation of the Omicron strain of COVID-19. The center, known for its expertise in Medical Genomics, revealed that the new variant, also known as GK (XBB.1.5.70) and HK, has developed new strategies to evade immunity and bind more effectively to the cell surface compared to its predecessors, XBB and Aeris “EG.5,” through a flip combo mutation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has already declared the Eris strain of COVID-19 as a strain of concern. However, the Genome Center has now revealed that the “EG.5.1” variant cannot replace the existing “XBB.1.16” strain in Thailand.
Scientists conducting research on COVID-19 have discovered that the virus has developed a new evolutionary strategy to ensure its survival. This strategy, known as a “flip” combo mutation, allows for better adhesion to the cell surface. It involves two adjacent mutations, specifically the L455F and F456L mutations, which cause changes at the amino acid level. The bipolar double/combo mutation flips the polarity of phenylalanine (F) and leucine (L), leading to enhanced immune evasion and tighter binding to the cell surface (ACE2). Consequently, the virus can penetrate cells more efficiently. This phenomenon has resulted in the emergence of two new XBB variants.
GK or XBB.1.5.70 originates from XBB.1.15, with mutations on the adjacent spines L455F and F456L. On the other hand, HK.3 or XBB.1.9.2.5.1.1.3 is derived from EG.5.1, with the same mutations on adjacent spines.
Despite being discovered in Brazil, the high flip combo mutation Omicron variant has not been found in Thailand. However, it is expected that these two strains will become endemic in the future, replacing the original XBB strains, including EG.5.1.
Furthermore, a “Super Variant,” which is a mixed strain of COVID-19, has gained significant attention in America. This variant has spread rapidly due to the mutations in the virus.
In response to the relentless mutation of COVID-19, the US Food and Drug Administration has suggested that vaccination in late 2023-early 2024 should utilize a single strain vaccine targeting at least XBB substrains XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, or XBB.2.3. This approach aims to keep up with the evolving nature of the virus. The original strains, including Wuhan, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Omicron-BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, and BA.5, will be excluded from the vaccine formulation since there is no scientific evidence to suggest the re-emergence of the previous Omicron XBB strain.
In other COVID-19 news, the number of infected individuals and severely ill patients has remained stable over the past week, while the death toll has decreased. Meanwhile, the WHO has turned its attention to the “Langya virus” and expressed concerns that it might replace COVID-19, as there is currently no vaccine available for this new virus strain.]
#latest #COVID19 #tactics #Double #mutant #polar #flip #predicting #main #strains #future #PPTVHD36