Epsilon variant mutations contribute to COVID immune evasion

(University of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine) Three mutations in the Epsilon coronavirus spike protein dampen the neutralizing potency of antibodies induced by current vaccines or past COVID infections. The mutations give this coronavirus variant of concern a means to totally evade specific monoclonal antibodies used in clinics and reduce the effectiveness of antibodies from plasma of vaccinated people. The latest molecular exploration of the mutation-remodeled configuration of the coronavirus infection machinery shows that the Epsilon variant relies on an indirect and unusual neutralization-escape strategy.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news