New research from UNC Charlotte's Center for Computational Intelligence to Predict Health and Environmental Risks (CIPHER) has found that the two recent and prevalent strains of the virus that cause COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 variants BA.2.86 and JN.
University of North Carolina at CharlotteJul 19 2024 New research from UNC Charlotte's Center for Computational Intelligence to Predict Health and Environmental Risks has found that the two recent and prevalent strains of the virus that cause COVID-19, SARS -CoV-2 variants BA.2.86 and JN.1, are not significantly better than their predecessor Omicron at evading immune responses and causing infections despite having a high number of mutations compared to Omicron .
There was some speculation that large numbers of new mutations in BA.2.86 and JN.1 conferred a greater ability of these variants to evade the human immune system and be more transmissible. Extensive computational analyses conducted by a team of UNC Charlotte scholars and students determined that these variants only had small, statistically insignificant changes in immune evasion and host-cell binding capacity compared to earlier variants, including Omicron.
The team found minor changes in binding affinity for neutralizing antibodies and ACE2 for BA.2.86 and JN.1 in comparison to previous SARS-CoV-2 variants. However, those changes were not statistically significant. Therefore, they concluded that BA.2.86 and JN.1 have no significant increase in immune evasion or transmissibility to previous variants.
Many of the RBD residues critical to binding to ACE2 are also targets of antibodies. Neutralizing antibodies that target the RBD have become increasingly specific and efficacious. As a result of this biochemical stalemate, proteins in SARS-CoV-2 outside of the RBD have accumulated mutations as new variants have arisen.
SARS-Cov-2 ACE2 Antibodies Antibody Binding Affinity Cell Covid-19 Genes Immune System Omicron Protein Public Health Receptor Research Virology Virus
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New study highlights impact of sleep disturbances on COVID-19 and long COVIDThe influence of pre-existing sleep disturbances on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) susceptibility, severity, and long-term effects.
Read more »
UK pollen bomb to give hay fever sufferers one day off this weekEvery day this week, a 'very high' or 'high' pollen count has been predicted
Read more »
After devastating floods and ten years of work, gymnastics gym relaunchesThe experience for our gymnasts and coaches has been improved with new convenient access, new toilets, new locker areas, new offices and new reception areas
Read more »
Attacks on police officers are at an all-time high, according to new figuresFigures obtained by the Sunday Mail show 5224 officers were assaulted last year, up on 4866 in 2022 and 4236 in 2021.
Read more »
New coffee shops takes over Glasgow city centre spot at High Street StationThe Glasgow coffee specialists have taken over the popular spot at the High Street Station and will be providing commuters and passersby with their delicious coffees.
Read more »
New council houses planned for old Bootle High School siteSefton Council plans to invest in Netherton site and expand its social housing stock
Read more »