‘Different SARS-CoV-2 strains haven’t yet had a major impact on the course of the pandemic, but they might in future...
‘It’s even possible that the D614G change could make the virus an easier target for vaccines, Montefiori’s team found in a study posted to bioRxiv in July 13. Mice, monkeys and humans that received one of a number of experimental RNA vaccines, including one being developed by drug maker Pfizer in New York City, produced antibodies that proved more potent at blocking G viruses than D viruses.
‘With G viruses now ubiquitous, the finding is “good news”, says Montefiori. But as a scientist who has watched HIV mutate to elude many vaccines developed against it, he remains wary of the potential of SARS-CoV-2 to evade humanity’s responses. Luban agrees: “We need to keep our eyes open for additional changes.”
Read here (Nature, Sept 8, 2020)
