Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and potential intervention approaches

 

Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and potential intervention approaches

by Jasmin Khateeb, Yuchong Li and Haibo Zhang 

Critical Care volume 25, Article number: 244, Published: 12 July 2021

The major variant of concerns (VOCs) have shared mutations in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike proteins, mostly on the S1 unit and resulted in higher transmissibility rate and affect viral virulence and clinical outcome. The spike protein mutations and other non-structural protein mutations in the VOCs may lead to escape approved vaccinations in certain extend. We will discuss these VOC mutations and discuss the need for combination therapeutic strategies targeting viral cycle and immune host responses.