SARS-CoV-2 variants: A double-edged sword?

Abstract

Since the worldwide emergence of the COVID-19 outbreak, there have been international concerns about the possible viral evolution into variants with underlying mutations that may contribute to their increased transmissibility, disease severity, risk of death, and their potential escape from the immune response or may even lead to its extinction. Rigorous surveillance has revealed the variants harboring mutations in the spike protein, the main target of neutralizing antibodies generated through vaccination or herd immunity. In this review, we have highlighted major SARS-CoV-2 variants as well as other local strains along with their specific mutations, suspected changes in their characteristics, and their impact on the current pandemic and vaccine efficacy. We have also emphasized the need to develop widely protective interventions to curb further transmission of variants.

Keywords: B.1.1.7; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; mutations; spike protein; variants.

Figure 1.

SARS-CoV-2 variants and associated mutations. Five SARS-CoV-2 variants, B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, A.23.1, and B.1.525, each containing multiple mutations, originated in multiple countries and soon started spreading worldwide, due to their increased transmissibility, immune-escaping behavior, and the ability to cause severe illness. Created with BioRender.com. (A color version of this figure is available in the online journal.)