SARS-CoV-2 variants – Evolution, spike protein, and vaccines
Kai-Wei K. Chen, Daniel Tsung‐Ning Huang, Li‐Min Huang
Abstract
Despite the rising natural and vaccines mediated immunity, several countries have experienced a resurgence of the Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) due to the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants. From Alpha to Omicron, the variants of concern (VOC) have evolved several spike protein mutations that may have an impact on virus characteristics, such as transmissibility and antigenicity. In this review, we describe the evolution of SARS-CoV-2, summarize current knowledge of epidemiological and clinical features of the variants, and discuss the response strategies in terms of vaccines to reduce the burden of COVID-19.
Topics & Concepts
AntigenicityCoronavirusTransmissibility (structural dynamics)Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)VirologyCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)BiologyVirusImmunitySpike ProteinDiseaseMedicineImmunologyImmune systemAntibodyInfectious disease (medical specialty)PathologyVibrationVibration isolationPhysicsQuantum mechanicsSARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Researchvaccines and immunoinformatics approachesAnimal Virus Infections Studies