UK coronavirus variant mutates again, could make vaccines less effective

A mutation of “most concern” has occurred in the UK-identified B.1.1.7 variant of the coronavirus, one that could make the virus less susceptible though not immune to currently authorised vaccines, according to a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, quoted by BBC radio.

In addition, findings from part of yet-to-be peer-reviewed results of research at the Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease (CITIID), University of Cambridge, in collaboration with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) COVID-19 BioResource, show that vaccines may be less effective against this mutation.

"Of particular concern, though, is the emergence of the E484K mutation, which so far has only been seen in a relatively small number of individuals. Our work suggests the vaccine is likely to be less effective when dealing with this (E484K) mutation, said Professor Ravi Gupta, the lead researcher at the CITIID.

He said that the variant is expected to continue to acquire mutations seen in the other variants of concern.

The E484K mutation on the virus’ spike protein is the same that was seen in the South African and Brazilian variants that are believed to make vaccines and antibody therapy less effective against them. The B.1.1.7 mutation, meanwhile, made the virus more transmissible, forcing the UK into another round of lockdowns.

Now, the E484K mutation has occurred spontaneously in the B.1.1.7 strain. “The mutation of most concern, which we call E484K, has also occurred spontaneously in the new Kent strain in parts of the country too,” said Calum Semple, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies, on BBC radio. The B.1.1.7 mutation was first detected in Kent.

Experts with Public Health England have found a small number of cases of the variant with he new mutations, in 11 out of 214,159 samples tested, predominantly in the South East of England.

A door-to-door mass testing drive has begun, targeting 80,000 people living in areas where cases of the variant have been found in people with no link to South Africa.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said he wants to “come down hard” on the spread of the South African variant.

The news comes a week after the UK’s death toll from the coronavirus crossed the 100,000 mark.

However, even with the mutation, vaccines are likely to still be effective. The Moderna vaccine has been shown to be effective even against the new variants, according to early laboratory tests.

While viruses continue to mutate the more they are transmitted, these may not necessarily be a bad thing: Studies have shown than, once the most acute phase of an epidemic is over, virus mutations may favour more benign pathogens.