1. Another variant another history: description of the SARS-CoV-2 KP.2 (JN.1.11.1.2) mutations.
- Author
-
Branda, Francesco, Ciccozzi, Alessandra, Romano, Chiara, Ciccozzi, Massimo, and Scarpa, Fabio
- Subjects
- *
SARS-CoV-2 , *GENETIC mutation , *SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant , *SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant , *GENETIC drift - Abstract
The article discusses the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 KP.2 variant, which is a descendant of the BA.2.86 variant. While the KP.2 variant has shown an increase in cases, there is no evidence suggesting that it is a significantly concerning new variant. The article provides information on the global prevalence of the KP.2 variant, highlighting regions where it has been detected and its relative prevalence in different countries. The KP.2 variant carries mutations of interest, including K417N, S477N, N501Y, and P681R, which may pose potential risks. Additionally, it shares the E484K mutation, which has been associated with the ability to evade immune responses. However, the lasting immunity conferred by natural immune responses to these mutations has not been explicitly documented. The KP.2 variant of SARS-CoV-2, also known as the Omicron variant, carries three additional mutations in the spike protein genes compared to its ancestor, the JN.1 variant. These mutations, R346T, F456L, and V1104L, have been observed in other Omicron subvariants and are associated with increased transmission and evasion of neutralizing antibodies. The F456L mutation, in particular, enhances the spike protein's affinity for the ACE2 receptor, allowing the virus to better evade immune responses. The V1104L mutation, located within a T cell epitope, may enhance protein stability. However, it is [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF