Although the mutation did not alter the virus, the scientists reported that it significantly reduced the proportion of both clinical antibodies and serum samples.
(Subscribe to Science For All, our weekly newsletter, where we aim to get the jargon out of science and into the sport. Click here.)
Scientists have evaluated a mutation in the novel coronavirus and have found that it resists viruses to some serum antibodies, one that reinforces the need for surveillance. continuation of the pathogen to guide vaccine development.
According to the study, published in the journal Cell, changes carrying this imitation similar to the novel wild type coronavirus from Wuhan, China have the potential to spread and cause disease, but may bind more strongly to the human ACE2 receptor which is a gateway the virus enters host cells.
“Our structural analysis shows that this new mutation involves an additional interaction between the virus and the ACE2 receptor,” said Gyorgy Snell, co-author of the study from the MRC-University Center. Glasgow for UK Virus Research
In this move, the scientists said that one molecular component of the virus’ s spike protein is converted from the amino acid asparagine to lysine, allowing a new point of contact to be created by the ACE2 receptor.
Increase in binding relationships
This change in the 439th protein sequence of an amino acid building block is thought to be due to a two-fold increase in its binding affinity to ACE2.
“Thus, the concomitant both improves interaction with the ACE2 viral receptor and bypasses immunity with a protective medium,” Snell explained.
The scientists said the mutation, dubbed N439K, was first detected in Scotland in March and since then, the second line of B.1.258 has emerged independently in other European countries. By January 2021, they said this line had been found in more than 30 countries around the world.
Although N439K mutation did not alter virus reproduction, the scientists reported that it significantly reduced the proportion of both clinical antibodies and serum samples.
They said the modification was specifically against neutralization with a clinical treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use as part of a dual-antibody cocaine.
“The virus is evolving in many ways to try to avoid antibody response,” Snell said.
According to the researchers, one of the biggest obstacles in studying changes is the limited amount of viral genome classification currently being conducted across the globe.
“This reinforces the need for a wide-ranging study, a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms in the mutations, and for the development of high-barrier therapies against circulating and emerging differences. in the future, “Snell said.