Ahn Kwang-seok, a professor at the Department of Life Sciences at Seoul National University, explains the mutant coronavirus. Video capture.
Concerns are growing as a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19, Corona 19) mutant virus has been discovered in Japan following the UK and South Africa.
Ahn Kwang-seok, a professor at the Department of Life Sciences at Seoul National University, said in a webinar for the third coronavirus pandemic and vaccine held by Choi Jong-Hyun Academy on the 12th, “mutant viruses need to watch out for the mutant virus, but there is no need for hypersensitive response yet.”
Mutation is a natural phenomenon in RNA viruses such as the Corona 19 virus. This is because mutations occur during the replication process after the virus invades the host. Unlike other viruses, RNA viruses do not have the ability to adjust even if there is a mutation in the base sequence, so mutations occur quickly.
Professor Ahn Kwang-Seok said, “Mutation simply refers to some nucleotide sequence change, and the variant is severely mutated, so that the viral properties must be completely changed and the immune characteristics must be changed.” In that 29 of them have changed, it should be viewed as the same virus, not a variant.”
However, Professor Ahn explained that it should be noted that the mutant virus’B117′, which originated in the UK, is concentrated in the vicinity of the spike protein and the envelope protein used when the virus invades the human host. The base mutation caused 17 amino acid mutations, of which 11 amino acid mutations were concentrated in the spike protein and the coat protein.
Professor Ahn said, “In general, mutations in RNA viruses occur evenly in all bases. In the case of the B117 mutation, amino acid mutations were concentrated in the spike protein and the coat protein.” You have to pay attention because you decide.”
Regarding the spread of the mutant virus, data have shown that infectiousness has increased by 56% in the UK and the infectious reproduction index has increased from 1.1 to 1.4. However, it is explained that it is difficult to say that the spreading power has absolutely increased because the spreading power varies depending on the quarantine system and social environment. Also, if the medical system is maintained, Professor Ahn’s diagnosis is that the increase in propagation power itself is not an important variable.
Professor Ahn only thought that the B117 mutant virus could have an effect on virulence. This is because the envelope protein binds to the host’s cell membrane and can affect ion channels involved in life phenomena. This is why it is necessary to examine the pattern of virulence changes caused by mutations in envelope proteins.
As the cause of the appearance of mutant viruses, long-term infection of chronically ill patients with weakened immunity is discussed. Professor Ahn said, “Accordingly, in the case of chronic underlying disease infected for 20 weeks, significant mutations can occur as mutations accumulate.” “Since long-term caregivers can provide the cause of rapid mutations, vaccination should be a top priority. Will” he pointed out. Another possibility that Professor Ahn diagnosed is the possibility of a mutant virus appearing as a recirculating infection between animals and humans.
As mutant viruses appear, continuous monitoring and vaccine updates are also required. Professor Ahn said, “Since the RNA vaccine only needs to be changed, it can be updated easily. We need to follow the quarantine regulations so that the mutant virus does not appear quickly and minimize the stress on the mutant virus.” .