Scientists are concerned.
The original coronavirus, meanwhile, has mutated into several variants, including the South African and the British. Researchers were particularly concerned about the South African corona variant because it contains a dreaded mutation that the effectiveness of our corona vaccine may be limited. However, scientists are now coming up with disturbing news. Because the same mutation has now also surfaced in the British corona variant.
Mutation
This is the so-called E484K mutation; a mutation in the virus ‘spike protein’. On the surface of the coronavirus are so-called ‘spikes’: proteins that allow the virus to bind to the ACE2 receptor and penetrate human cells. In the meantime, several mutations on the spike protein have already been found. “The Brazilian and South African variants of SARS-CoV-2 have about ten mutations on this protein,” says Jonathan Stoye, who is associated with the Francis Crick Institute. “One mutation that both variants have is the E484K mutation. And that mutation is associated with reduced protection against virus infection. ” The mutation worries many scientists. Because it may well be that our already developed vaccines are not able to cope with this mutation.
British variant
However, South Africa and Brazil are far from our bed. Much closer is the British corona variant, which is currently in the household in the Netherlands. But researchers come with worrisome news. Because now it appears that the E484K mutation has also surfaced in the British variant. “Although only one case has been discovered to date, it seems very likely that more cases will come to light in the coming weeks and months,” said University Lecturer Simon Clarke, of the University of Reading. “However, it does not necessarily mean that the mutation is present in all versions of this variant.”
About the virus variants
At the moment you hear a lot about the British and South African variants. These are in fact groups of virus variants that differ slightly from each other genetically. This often only concerns a few mutations. These mutations have been associated with higher infectivity, although it does not seem to make people more seriously ill. However, it could mean that the virus spreads faster and that way infects more people. These new variants can therefore displace the existing variants of the virus. They are not necessarily more deadly; the virus does not benefit from killing the host. It is even better for the virus if the host remains active and infects others. But because these variants spread better, more people will also become infected and ultimately more people will die. And that is why we have to limit the evolution of the virus.
How the mutation in the British corona variant ended up? Several options are possible. “It could be a combination with the South African or Brazilian coronavirus,” suggests virologist Julian Tang, associated with the University of Leicester. “They could possibly have infected the same cell.” In this case, a person who already had the British variant among the members could also have become infected with the South African or Brazilian variant. “We often see this happening with different influenza viruses,” continues Tang. “But it is rarer with coronaviruses.” That is why scientists have a more plausible scenario. “The variants are more likely to arise side by side through parallel natural selection,” says Tang. “The virus is increasingly able to adapt to its new host.”
Independent
It means that the British variant has now likely independently acquired this dreaded E484K mutation, simply because it benefits the virus. “In laboratory studies, this mutation meant that antibodies were less able to bind to the spike protein,” says Clarke. And so the virus can strike better with that mutation. “This is a concern,” said virologist Lawrence Young, of the University of Warwick. “It shows that the virus is very likely to adapt to our immune response.” However, this is not very surprising. “It’s a worrying development, but not entirely unexpected,” said Tang.
Vaccines
As mentioned, the development is particularly worrying because vaccines may offer less protection. “Research has shown that vaccines are less effective against the South African corona variety,” says Clarke. “This is thought to be due to the E484K mutation.” Fortunately, this does not mean that all vaccines can be thrown in the trash. The corona vaccine from the American biotech company Novavax appears to be 60 percent effective against the South African variant. “This is still great protection, as the annual flu shot is also 60 percent effective,” said Young.
Measures
Still, it is important to keep an eye on mutations. In view of this, we should also not underestimate the importance of the current corona measures. The fact that the spread of the observed virus variants is greatly hindered when we work from home, the schools are closed and we hardly receive any visitors, is self-evident. But what we may not immediately realize is that we can also prevent new mutations from developing. Because the virus changes while it moves among people. “This is yet another reason to continue to strictly monitor corona measures,” says Tang. “Otherwise, the virus could not only continue to spread, but also evolve.”
Control
It means maybe now more important than ever to obey the strict measures. “Unfortunately, a lack of control can create a melting pot of several emerging corona varieties,” says Tang. “That is why we really have to reduce our contact moments with others. In this way, we can not only reduce the chance that the virus will spread or mutate further, but also the speed at which these different virus variants can evolve. Closing borders or further restricting travel can help a bit, although there is a good chance that too many people have already been infected. So we will really have to stick to the lockdown measures as much as possible. ”
Although we may gradually become more and more coronamous, the virus is still gripping us. The coronavirus, which was already so elusive, seems to have become even more elusive due to the new variants. And again we are confronted with the facts: this virus cannot be controlled just like that. But at the same time we also make jumps. We now know more and more about this virus. In addition, producer Moderna is currently working on a booster vaccine that may offer better protection against emerging corona variants. It means that the Moderna vaccine may be even better able to protect the world’s population from the coronavirus – and all its mutations. So in that respect, we should not lose hope.
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