The recent developments in England have stirred up news regarding a mutated variant of the novel Coronavirus. The virus has seen multiple mutations since its initial outbreak among humans.
Understanding the New Mutant Coronavirus
The mutated virus, identified as N501Y, is believed to be a mutation in the spike protein of the coronavirus. This spike protein is what enables the virus to bind to human proteins and initiate infection. Any changes to this could potentially influence how the virus behaves in terms of its infectious capacity, the severity of the disease it causes, or its ability to evade the immune response manufactured by vaccines.
However, there has been only a single nucleotide change in one section of the spike protein. This change is not expected to impact the disease’s biology or diagnostic procedures significantly.
Impacts on Infection and Vaccination
Various coronavirus vaccines are engineered to stimulate antibodies targeting the spike protein. These vaccines aim at multiple regions on the spike, while a mutation implies a change at a single point. Therefore, a single mutation does not necessarily render vaccines ineffective.
All strains of SARS-CoV-2 share a close genetic similarity, and scientists do not foresee these mutations significantly altering the virus’s capacity to cause more severe diseases than observed thus far.
Many mutations may not alter anything, or their success might be due to unknown factors. For example, a distinct strain might be more transmissible but induce less severe illness. Hence, researchers must continuously monitor the mutations as there’s currently no evidence indicating that the new UK strain is more infectious or causes a more severe/resistant disease.
Mutant Variant in India
Indian researchers have not reported identifying this variant yet. However, a previous mutation, dubbed D614G, allowed the virus to bind more efficiently with the human host’s ACE2 receptor. This efficiency made it more successful in penetrating the host body than its predecessors. Interestingly, D614G exhibited increased infectivity and greater attaching capability to cell walls inside a person’s nose and throat, increasing viral load.
Understanding Mutations in RNA Viruses
A mutation signifies a change in the genetic sequence of a virus. In the case of SARS-CoV-2, an RNA virus, a mutation refers to a shift in the arrangement of its molecules. RNA is a crucial biological macromolecule found in all biological cells and primarily involved in protein synthesis.
A mutation usually occurs when the RNA virus makes an error while copying itself. The disease course can only be altered if the mutation results in a significant change in protein structure.