COVID-19 'Nu' Variant Alert... "Suspected Origin from AIDS Patient, More Potent than Delta"

"Will Evade Antibodies Better Than Delta"

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[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] A warning has emerged that the recently discovered COVID-19 variant 'Nu (B.1.1.529)' in Botswana, Africa, could be more powerful than the Delta variant.

According to the British media outlet Daily Mail on the 24th (local time), the 'Nu' variant was first identified in Botswana on the 11th. So far, a total of 10 infections have been confirmed: 3 in Botswana, 6 in South Africa, and a 36-year-old man who entered Hong Kong from South Africa.

The COVID-19 virus invades by binding its spike protein to the ACE2 receptors on the surface of human cells. However, if mutations alter the shape of the spike protein, antibodies may fail to block the virus from entering cells, making infection easier.

In particular, the 'Nu' variant has as many as 32 mutations in its spike protein. Many of these are known to be highly transmissible and resistant to vaccines.

Professor Fran?ois Balloux, a geneticist at University College London (UCL), said, "It seems the variant emerged from an AIDS patient infected with COVID," warning that "the Nu variant will evade antibodies better than Delta."

Additionally, Dr. Tom Peacock, a virologist at Imperial College London, described the 'Nu' variant as "horrific." He said, "It has the potential to be worse than existing variants, including the globally prevalent Delta," but added, "Since its spread is not yet rapid, there is no need for excessive concern."