article · Cell Host & Microbe
In late 2023, the SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86 variant emerged as a distinct lineage carrying more than thirty amino acid mutations in its spike protein, separating it from other Omicron sublineages. Epidemiological modelling indicates that the relative reproduction number of BA.2.86 is significantly higher than that of the circulating EG.5.1 variant. Despite this growth advantage, laboratory testing confirmed that four clinically available antiviral medications remain effective against BA.2.86. Although the fusogenicity of its spike protein matches that of the parental BA.2 variant, BA.2.86 displayed significantly lower intrinsic pathogenicity in hamster models. Furthermore, growth kinetics were significantly reduced compared to BA.2 in both cell cultures and living models, demonstrating that the attenuated pathogenicity of the variant is likely driven by its diminished replication capacity.
Understanding how newly emerging coronavirus variants behave helps health authorities gauge risks and plan responses. Although the BA.2.86 lineage carries substantial genetic mutations and spreads rapidly, the finding that existing antiviral drugs remain active, combined with the observation of reduced disease severity in animal models, provides critical reassurance for clinical treatment and public health management.
The findings have direct relevance for healthcare systems and pharmaceutical manufacturers assessing existing medical countermeasures. Evidence that four clinically available antivirals remain potent against BA.2.86 provides immediate validation for currently marketed therapies. While the study itself represents early-stage virological characterisation rather than drug development, the data supports ongoing clinical decision-making and informs diagnostic or therapeutic monitoring programmes.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
In late 2023, several SARS-CoV-2 XBB descendants, notably EG.5.1, were predominant worldwide. However, a distinct SARS-CoV-2 lineage, the BA.2.86 variant, also emerged. BA.2.86 is phylogenetically distinct from other Omicron sublineages, accumulating over 30 amino acid mutations in its spike protein. Here, we examined the virological characteristics of the BA.2.86 variant. Our epidemic dynamics modeling suggested that the relative reproduction number of BA.2.86 is significantly higher than that of EG.5.1. Additionally, four clinically available antivirals were effective against BA.2.86. Although the fusogenicity of BA.2.86 spike is similar to that of the parental BA.2 spike, the intrinsic pathogenicity of BA.2.86 in hamsters was significantly lower than that of BA.2. Since the growth kinetics of BA.2.86 are significantly lower than those of BA.2 both in vitro and in vivo, the attenuated pathogenicity of BA.2.86 is likely due to its decreased replication capacity. These findings uncover the features of BA.2.86, providing insights for control and treatment.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2024.01.001
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
