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Why the Coronavirus D614G and N501Y Mutations Are Not Entirely Disastrous
While the mutations increase SARS-CoV-2 infectivity, it also exposes the coronavirus to antibody binding and neutralization.
The recent advent of a new coronavirus strain or variant in the U.K. and other countries — called N501Y (or VUI-2020/01 or lineage B.1.1.7) — have raised only concerns. The vaccine efficacy is questioned. The increased transmissibility would mean higher death counts, even though the virus’s lethality remains the same.
“With increased transmissibility and similar disease severity, the variant does, however, raise alarm: without increased control to slow its spread, there will be an increased impact on already stressed and pressurized health facilities,” Hans Henri P. Kluge, MD, Regional Director for Europe at the WHO, said in a statement yesterday.
However, a paper published in the journal Immunological Letters this month, titled “Are the emerging SARS-COV-2 mutations friend or foe?” offers interesting insights into the coronavirus mutations, arguing why such mutations may not be entirely unfavorable for humans. Adnan Erol, a retired professor and independent researcher, is the sole author.
