British confirms new mutant virus… “The healer and the threat of vaccinations”

Another novel coronavirus infection (Corona 19) mutant virus has been identified in the UK. Concerns are raised that because of their resistance to antibodies, they may reinfect people who have already been cured or reduce the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Virus particles that cause COVID-19. [AP=연합뉴스]

According to the Guardian on the 15th (local time), researchers at the University of Edinburgh “A new mutant virus infection called B1525 has been reported in 11 countries including the UK, the US, Denmark and Australia. Is increasing”Announced.

According to the researchers, this mutation first occurred in the UK and Nigeria last December. Following follow-up, 108 cases were reported in Europe, North America, Africa and the Middle East, including 32 cases in the UK.

This mutation was analyzed to have a similar structure to the mutant virus B117, which occurred in the UK earlier. However, I am concerned that the E484K mutation was observed in the spike protein.The high researchers said. The E484K mutation was present in mutant viruses that originated in South Africa and Brazil, but not in B117 in the UK.

The spike protein, a viral protrusion, plays a key role when the virus binds to human cells. The presence of mutations in this area means that cell penetration is easier. As a result of the analysis of the mutant virus in South Africa, it was found that the E484K mutant has stronger antibody resistance than the existing virus.

Because the new mutant virus changed shape again here, The researchers explained that there is a possibility that even antibodies produced in patients who have been cured or vaccinated for Corona 19 may be neutralized. It is also believed that there is a possibility that the efficacy of existing vaccines may be reduced.

Simon Clark, a professor of microbiology at the University of Reading in England, warned that “the spread and fatality of the new mutant virus is still unclear.”

“E484K is a major change that could become a loophole,” said Jonathan Stoye, a professor at the Francis Clique Institute.

Reporter Lee Min-jung [email protected]