Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs): An impending global crisis
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2021
Abstract
The worldwide battle against the SARS-CoV-2 virus rages on, with millions infected and many innocent lives lost. The causative organism, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a beta coronavirus that belongs to the Coronaviridae family. Many clinically significant variants have emerged, as the virus's genome is prone to various mutations, leading to antigenic drift and resulting in evasion of host immune recognition. The current variants of concern (VOCs) include B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), B.1.617/B.1.617.2 (Delta), and P.1 (Gamma). The emerging variants contain various important mutations on the spike protein, leading to deleterious consequences, such as immune invasion and vaccine escape. These adverse effects result in increased transmissibility, morbidity, and mortality and the evasion of detection by existing or currently available diagnostic tests, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. This review discusses the key mutations present in the VOC strains and provides insights into how these mutations allow for greater transmissibility and immune evasion than the progenitor strain. Continuous monitoring and surveillance of VOC strains play a vital role in preventing and controlling the virus's spread.
Keywords
SARS-CoV-2, Mutations, Variant of concern (VOC), Transmissibility, Progenitor
Divisions
Science
Funders
Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS/1/2019/SKK08/MUSM/02/7),Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS),Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRS/JCSMHS/02/2020),University of Malaya Research Grant (FRGS grant) (FP022-2018A)
Publication Title
Biomedicines
Volume
9
Issue
10
Publisher
MDPI
Publisher Location
ST ALBAN-ANLAGE 66, CH-4052 BASEL, SWITZERLAND