Immune targets to stop future SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Milena Silva SouzaJéssica Pires FariasWilson Barros LuizAlexander BirbrairRicardo Durães-CarvalhoLuís Carlos de Souza FerreiraJaime Henrique AmorimPublished in: Microbiology spectrum (2023)
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 had a major impact across the world. It is true that the collaboration of scientists from all over the world resulted in a rapid response against COVID-19, mainly with the development of vaccines against the disease. However, many viral genetic variants that threaten vaccines have emerged. Our study reveals highly conserved antigenic regions in the vaccines have emerged. Our study reveals highly conserved antigenic regions in the spike protein in all variants of concern (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron) as well as in the wild-type virus. Such immune targets can be used to fight future SARS-CoV-2 variants.