The fast-moving variant poses new puzzles in viral transmission, severity and evolution.
That’s good news, because although T cells are slower than antibodies to respond to a recurring threat, they’re effective once they get going. This helps to stop breakthrough infections from becoming severe.
The latter is what’s happened with each variant of concern so far. “It suggests that there’s a huge amount of plasticity in the virus,” says Lucy Thorne, a virologist at University College London. “It’s got different evolutionary options.” As the study authors note, changes in cell-culture dishes don’t necessarily mean that the virus would be any better at infecting animals or people; it’s possible the mutations might make it inept in other ways. Thus, this type of workResearchers can also put pressure on the virus in the lab, allowing it to evolve in the presence of antibodies or antiviral drugs.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Omicron’s lasting mysteries: four questions scientists are racing to answerThe fast-moving variant poses new puzzles in viral transmission, severity and evolution.
Read more »
The next variant: three key questions about what’s after OmicronThe emergence of a new variant is just a matter of time, scientists say.
Read more »
Fourth dose of COVID vaccine offers only slight boost against Omicron infectionIsraeli trial shows a fourth vaccination raises antibody levels but provides little extra protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Read more »
Pandemic fears are fading along with omicron: AP-NORC pollOmicron is fading away, and so are Americans’ worries about COVID-19.
Read more »
Fourth dose of COVID vaccine offers only slight boost against Omicron infectionIsraeli trial shows a fourth vaccination raises antibody levels but provides little extra protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Read more »