Publications by authors named "J M Zahradnik"
SARS-CoV-2 has the capacity to evolve mutations that escape vaccine- and infection-acquired immunity and antiviral drugs. A variant-agnostic therapeutic agent that protects against severe disease without putting selective pressure on the virus would thus be a valuable biomedical tool that would maintain its efficacy despite the ongoing emergence of new variants. Here, we challenge male rhesus macaques with SARS-CoV-2 Delta-the most pathogenic variant in a highly susceptible animal model.
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- A new variant of SARS-CoV-2, called EG.5.1, is spreading rapidly and has been studied using various scientific methods to understand its features.
- Key mutations in EG.5.1, specifically S:F456L and ORF9b:I5T, enhance its viral fitness compared to other variants like XBB.1.5.
- Structural differences were found in the spike proteins of EG.5.1 versus XBB.1.5, and the research helps us understand the evolution of emerging viruses that can affect human health.
Article Synopsis
- In late 2023, the SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86 variant emerged alongside the dominant XBB descendants like EG.5.1, distinguishing itself with over 30 mutations in its spike protein.
- Modeling showed BA.2.86 has a higher reproduction number compared to EG.5.1, suggesting it spreads more easily.
- Despite its increased spread, BA.2.86 demonstrated lower pathogenicity and replication capacity in hamsters, indicating it may be less severe, while remaining sensitive to four existing antiviral treatments.
Article Synopsis
- Most research on SARS-CoV-2 variants has concentrated on mutations in spike proteins that influence how the virus infects and spreads.
- This study highlights that there are also significant mutations outside of the spike protein that can affect the virus's behavior.
- Specifically, the study found that certain mutations in the Omicron BA.2 variant, including one in the spike protein and another further down the gene, play crucial roles in defining its characteristics.