Basic Coronavirus biology and vaccines for COVID-19
2021
Garcia-Ruiz,Hernan | LaTourrette,Katherine | Garcia-Ruiz,Mayra Teresa
Abstract. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causal agent of the COVID-19 pandemic. Two mRNA vaccines based on the spike protein S have been authorized by the Food and Drug Administration. Antibody-based diagnostic test detect antibodies developed against protein S. Mutations in the genome of SARS-CoV-2 might compromise the precision of diagnostic tests and the efficacy of vaccines and antiviral drugs. We recently profiled genomic variation in human coronaviruses SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). As in all species of the genus Betacoronavirus, the genome is hyper variable, and mutations are not random. The most variable cistron codes for the spike S protein. Hyper variation in protein S has the potential to affect the efficacy of vaccines, the reliability of antibody-based diagnostic test, and predicts potential for repeated SARS-CoV-2 infections. Here we review the basics of coronavirus biology and genomic variation, and link them to diagnostic tests, vaccines, and antiviral drugs.
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