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SARS-CoV-2 Variants, Current Vaccines and Therapeutic Implications for COVID-19

Hong-Yu Liang1, Yuyan Wu2,3, Vicky Yau4

  • 1The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.

Vaccines
|September 23, 2022
PubMed

Insights

New SARS-CoV-2 variants like Omicron are more transmissible and virulent. This review covers variant characteristics, vaccines, and therapies to improve COVID-19 prevention and treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Immunology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has led to widespread infections and deaths globally.
  • Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants exhibit increased transmissibility and virulence compared to the original wild-type strain.
  • Existing COVID-19 treatments are becoming less effective against these evolving variants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the distribution, genetic variation, biology, and clinical features of prominent SARS-CoV-2 variants.
  • To summarize current and investigational vaccines targeting SARS-CoV-2 variants.
  • To explore potential targeted therapies for managing COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific publications on SARS-CoV-2 variants.
  • Analysis of data on variant distribution, genetic mutations, and clinical outcomes.
  • Compilation of information on vaccine development and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Detailed descriptions of key SARS-CoV-2 variants including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron.
  • Overview of vaccine candidates in clinical and preclinical development.
  • Identification of promising targeted therapies for variant-specific COVID-19 treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding SARS-CoV-2 variant evolution is crucial for public health.
  • Development of variant-specific vaccines is essential for enhanced immunity.
  • Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to combat the challenges posed by SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2 variantsmolecular therapeutic targetvaccines

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