World

Scientists see new evidence S. African variant binds more readily to human cells

January 19, 2021
Scientists have new biological evidence that the so-called South African coronavirus variant binds more readily and strongly to human cells, making it more infectious.
Scientists have new biological evidence that the so-called South African coronavirus variant binds more readily and strongly to human cells, making it more infectious.

JOHANNESBURG — Scientists have new biological evidence that the so-called South African coronavirus variant binds more readily and strongly to human cells, making it more infectious, top local epidemiologist Salim Abdool Karim said on Monday, Reuters reported.

He was speaking at a presentation of research into the variant, known as 501Y.V2, by a team of scientists. The variant was identified by South African genomics experts late last year.

It drove COVID-19 infections in South Africa to a new daily peak above 21,000 cases earlier this month.

UK scientists and politicians have expressed concern that vaccines currently being deployed or in development could be less effective against the South African variant.

It has more than 20 mutations including several in the spike protein the virus uses to infect human cells.

But Abdool Karim said there was as yet no answer to that question, although scientists around the world were working on it.

South African experts have said that since vaccines induce a broad immune response it is unlikely that the mutations in the spike protein would completely negate the effect. — Agencies


January 19, 2021
1365 views
HIGHLIGHTS
World
hour ago

South Africa's ex-president Zuma involved in car crash

World
2 hours ago

KFC Nigeria sorry after wheelchair user refused service at Lagos airport

World
2 hours ago

India gangster-politician dies after cardiac arrest