Implications derived from S-protein variants of SARS-CoV-2 from six continents.
Int J Biol Macromol
; 191: 934-955, 2021 Nov 30.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1433283
ABSTRACT
The spike (S) protein is a critical determinant of the infectivity and antigenicity of SARS-CoV-2. Several mutations in the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 have already been detected, and their effect in immune system evasion and enhanced transmission as a cause of increased morbidity and mortality are being investigated. From pathogenic and epidemiological perspectives, S proteins are of prime interest to researchers. This study focused on the unique variants of S proteins from six continents Asia, Africa, Europe, Oceania, South America, and North America. In comparison to the other five continents, Africa had the highest percentage of unique S proteins (29.1%). The phylogenetic relationship implies that unique S proteins from North America are significantly different from those of the other five continents. They are most likely to spread to the other geographic locations through international travel or naturally by emerging mutations. It is suggested that restriction of international travel should be considered, and massive vaccination as an utmost measure to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also further suggested that the efficacy of existing vaccines and future vaccine development must be reviewed with careful scrutiny, and if needed, further re-engineered based on requirements dictated by new emerging S protein variants.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Topics:
Vaccines
/
Variants
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Int J Biol Macromol
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS