By Tim Cocks and Alexander Winning
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – Previous infection with the coronavirus may offer less protection against the new variant first identified in South Africa, scientists said on Monday, although they hope the vaccines will still work.
Studies have also found that the new variant binds more readily and strongly to human cells. This helps explain why it appears to be spreading about 50% faster than previous versions, said South African epidemiologist Salim Abdool Karim.
The 501Y.V2 variant was identified by South African genomics experts at the end of last year. It has been the main driver of a second wave of national COVID-19 infections, which reached a new daily peak above 21,000 cases earlier this month.
It is one of several new variants found in recent months, including other discoveries for the first time in England and Brazil, that scientists fear are accelerating the spread of COVID-19.
“Convalescing serum studies suggest that natural antibodies are less effective,” said Abdool Karim, presenting the research, “(but) current data suggests that the new variant is no longer serious.”
British scientists and politicians have expressed concern that vaccines currently in use or in development may be less effective against the variant.
Scientists speaking on the virtual panel on Monday said there was still no clear answer to that question and that the studies were continuing.
“We have reason to be concerned that the virus has found a way to escape previous antibodies,” said Alex Sigal, a virologist at the Africa Health Research Institute.
“The world has underestimated this virus. This virus can evolve, it … is adapting to us.”
Previously, South African researchers said that since vaccines induce a broad immune response, mutations in the variant’s peak protein were unlikely to completely nullify its effect.
The researchers reiterated that idea on Monday.
“Our immune system is extraordinarily intelligent,” said Willem Hanekom, one of the team members. “There may be compensation through other arms of the immune system that allow vaccines to still work.”
The 501Y.V2 variant has spread to nations in Europe, Asia and the Americas, as well as several other African countries, causing some states to impose restrictions on travel to and from South Africa.
(Edition by Peter Graff)