Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) have found that the Pfizer Coronavirus vaccine is not nearly as effective against the South African variant, but it still neutralizes the British version and the original strain of SARS-CoV-2.
Their research was published in the prestigious journal Cell Host and Microbe.
Our findings indicate that future changes may require modified vaccines as the virus moves to increase its infectivity. “
Dr. Ran Taube, Principal Investigator, Department of Microbiology, Psychology and Genetics of Srag Segal, Faculty of Health Sciences
BGU scientists evaluated the effectiveness of vaccines against the original viral strain, the British and South African variants, as well as sequences that harbor mutations in the viral spike.
Dr. Taube and his team also evaluated the neutralization of antibody levels after administration of one- and two-dose vaccines. They found that the vaccine provided the best protection compared to the levels seen in admitted patients. The researchers continue to test other circulatory changes as they unfold, including mutations that could pose a risk to the vaccine.
Source:
American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Magazine Reference:
Kuzmina, A., et al. (2021) SARS CoV-2 spike variants exhibit differential susceptibility and resistance to neutralization to convalescent or post-vaccinated sera. Cell Host & Microbe. doi.org/10.1016/j.chom.2021.03.008.