Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2025
08:41
Live Imaging and Quantification of Viral Infection in K18 hACE2 Transgenic Mice Using Reporter-Expressing Recombinant SARS-CoV-2
Published on: November 5, 2021
2.9K
Rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 challenges human defenses
Carlos M Duarte1,2, David I Ketcheson3, Víctor M Eguíluz4
1Red Sea Research Centre (RSRC), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955, Saudi Arabia. carlos.duarte@kaust.edu.sa.
Scientific Reports
|April 20, 2022
Summary
The SARS-CoV-2 virus evolves rapidly, with new Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) variants emerging daily. This accelerating evolution necessitates a global, proactive strategy combining sequencing and vaccination to counter the virus.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary biology
- Virology
- Genomics
Background:
- Pathogen-host interactions drive rapid evolution, necessitating genomic monitoring of viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
- Understanding viral evolution is crucial for predicting and managing infectious disease dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the accelerating evolution of SARS-CoV-2 by tracking global mutations.
- To focus on the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) mutations influencing viral infectivity and transmission.
Main Methods:
- Global-scale real-time tracking of SARS-CoV-2 population genomics.
- Analysis of mutations within the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the spike protein.
Main Results:
- SARS-CoV-2 evolution is accelerating, with an estimated 12 new effective RBD variants emerging daily.
- The number of RBD variants doubled every 89 days, indicating rapid selection for infectivity.
- Over 820 million infections by October 5, 2021, generated an estimated 10^21 virus copies.
Conclusions:
- The rapid emergence and selection of SARS-CoV-2 variants pose a significant challenge to host defenses.
- A shift from reactive to anticipatory strategies is required, emphasizing global collaboration in sequencing and vaccination efforts.
Related Concept Videos
00:36Viral Mutations
33.8K
A mutation is a change in the sequence of bases of DNA or RNA in a genome. Some mutations occur during replication of the genome due to errors made by the polymerase enzymes that replicate DNA or RNA. Unlike DNA polymerase, RNA polymerase is prone to errors because it is not capable of “proofreading” its work. Viruses with RNA-based genomes, like HIV, therefore accrue mutations faster than viruses with DNA-based genomes. Because mutation and recombination provide the raw material...
33.8K
01:29Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens
988
The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
988
00:57Viral Recombination
23.9K
Cells are sometimes infected by more than one virus at once. When two viruses disassemble to expose their genomes for replication in the same cell, similar regions of their genomes can pair together and exchange sequences in a process called recombination. Alternatively, viruses with segmented genomes can swap segments in a process called reassortment.
23.9K
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
469
The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
469
01:21Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity
5.5K
The human immune system is a complex defense mechanism that protects the body from harmful pathogens and foreign substances. It comprises two crucial components: innate and adaptive immunity.
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...
5.5K
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
1.6K
The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
1.6K