A mutation in the novel coronavirus may increase its infectivity

[catbyte]

Here's why scientists are concerned about this specific strain of the virus

MATTHEW ROZSA
JUNE 16, 2020

New research on mutations in the novel coronavirus reveals that an evolved strain of the disease may possess a significantly increased ability to infect people. Physically, this mutation's changes have increased the number and flexibility of the protein spikes on the virus' surface.

"Viruses with this mutation were much more infectious than those without the mutation in the cell culture system we used," wrote Scripps Research virologist Hyeryun Choe, PhD, who is the senior author of the study. The study is still undergoing peer review, and its authors noted that the conclusions need to be viewed as preliminary. The conclusions were announced prior to the completion of peer review "amid news reports of its findings," according to Scripps Research.

The functional spikes, which give SARS-CoV-2 its crown-like appearance, are biologically important because they make it possible for the virus to bind to and infect cells. The virus uses the spikes to connect to target cell receptors, known as ACE2. With the new mutation, known as D614G, the quantity of the spikes has increased and the structure of each spike's "backbone" has enhanced flexibility. As the release from the Scripps Research Institute explains, "More flexible spikes allow newly made viral particles to navigate the journey from producer cell to target cell fully intact, with less tendency to fall apart prematurely."

"Our data are very clear," Choe emphasized. "The virus becomes much more stable with the mutation."

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https://www.salon.com/2020/06/16/a-mutation-in-the-novel-coronavirus-may-increase-its-infectivity/

[captain queeg]

1. Trump says the virus is genius, because it's smarter than him

That’s not saying much, and yet it says a lot.

[I_UndergroundPanther]

2. Shit.

I was hoping it wouldn't get worse. Fucking virus

[Frustratedlady]

3. I have been afraid to see how the mutations would change the virus...

This is scary as hell.

Thanks for posting the article...I think.