Forget About SARS-CoV-2 FLiRT Variants KP.1.1 And KP.2, New FluQE Variant KP.3 Expected To Rapidly Become Globally Predominant, Wreaking Havoc!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 23, 2024 5 months, 4 weeks, 1 day, 17 hours, 55 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: As the world continues to grapple with the ever-evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus, new variants keep emerging, posing fresh challenges to public health. Recently, attention has shifted from the previously concerning FLiRT variants KP.1.1 and KP.2 to a new contender: the FluQE variant KP.3. With its unique mutation Q493E, KP.3 is poised to outcompete other variants, potentially becoming the dominant strain globally.
New SARS-CoV-2 FluQE Variant KP.3 Expected To Rapidly
Become Globally Predominant, Wreaking Havoc
Emergence of KP.3
The KP.3 variant, characterized by the rare Q493E mutation, was first identified through travel sequences from India. Unlike the FLiRT variants, which typically involve mutations like F456L and R346T known for stepwise immune evasion but potential fitness costs, KP.3's Q493E mutation represents a significant shift. This mutation has attracted attention due to its rarity and the impact it has on the virus's behavior.
https://cov-spectrum.org/explore/World/AllSamples/Past6M/variants?nextcladePangoLineage=KP.3*&
Significance of the Q493E Mutation
Q493E involves a rare nucleotide mutation, C->G, at a key residue that has seen little action in recent variants. This mutation is particularly interesting because 493 mutations, while common in the cryptic variants, usually appear as Q493K. The Q493E mutation stands out for its potential to increase ACE2 receptor binding affinity significantly, a critical factor in the virus's infectivity.
KP.3 Highly Immune Evasive
The KP.3 variant could possibly be the most immune evasive variant so far and according to Chinese immunologists, Dr Yunlong Cao, the presence of the mutations F456L and Q493E allows KP.3 to evade a substantial proportion of JN.1-effective mAbs, especially Class 1 antibodies.
https://x.com/yunlong_cao/status/1782775693677580604
Evolution of Spike Protein Mutations
Historically, the receptor-binding motif (RBM) of the spike protein has become more basic (positively charged) to enhance binding to co-receptor heparan sulfate. This trend was prominent in variants like BA.2.86.
However, Q493E reverses this trend, making the RBM more acidic (negatively charged), indicating a new evolutionary path for the virus.
Interaction with Other Key Mutations
KP.3’s Q493E mutation is in close proximity to several other significant spike protein residues, including R346T, found in FLiRT variants, and the 448-456 and 483-484 regions. This proximity suggests that Q493E might work synergistically with other mutations to enhance the virus's fitness and immune evasion capabilities.
Competitive Advantage Over FLiRT Variants
The FLiRT variants, wi
th mutations like R346T and N450D, have demonstrated significant antibody evasion but at a potential cost to the virus’s fitness. In contrast, KP.3’s unique mutation profile, particularly the Q493E, appears to provide a distinct competitive advantage, allowing it to outgrow FLiRT variants.
Global Outlook
Globally, the KP.3 variant and also many of its spawns with other unique mutations are rising and spreading at a rapid rate.
https://x.com/Mike_Honey_/status/1792140316855918791
https://x.com/RajlabN/status/1789502976584761843/photo/1
KP.3 is already present at the moment in more than 27 countries and is expected to become the predominant variant in a month or two.
In Spain, the KP.3 variant is believed to be driving disease severity and hospitalizations.
https://x.com/NateB_Panic/status/1792528613926961315
The KP.3 variant is also rising fast in Canada.
https://x.com/jeffgilchrist/status/1793255294241272127
Another newer KP.3 spawn has emerged in Canada ie KP.3.1 with S:E309Q, ORF9b:V41A mutations.
https://github.com/sars-cov-2-variants/lineage-proposals/issues/1574
The KP.3 newer spawn i.e KP.3.3 is also rising in Japan.
https://x.com/CamilleZamani/status/1791324613420499400
https://x.com/jQcWWnq98LPRw5Z/status/1792161909636202620
https://x.com/CamilleZamani/status/1791324086615912512
https://github.com/cov-lineages/pango-designation/commit/02f5669bc3a3bbd4d242d109e4f91aaf7bf1c82f
However, do not expect much
COVID-19 News coverages about the rise of the KP.3 variant or about its possible capability to contribute to increased disease severity and rise in hospitalizations and mortality as most governments are either trying to downplay or conceal the actual COVID-19 crisis as they wish to pursue their narratives that the COVID-19 vaccines provided protection against all who had them in the past or that it will still protect against the new variants!
Implications for Public Health
The rise of KP.3 poses new challenges for global public health. Its ability to outcompete other variants suggests that existing immunity from prior infections or vaccinations may be less effective. This variant’s potential for rapid spread and its novel mutation profile necessitate close monitoring and possibly new strategies in vaccine development and public health responses.
Future Outlook
As KP.3 continues to spread, understanding its behavior and impact becomes crucial. Researchers and public health officials must track its progression and develop strategies to mitigate its spread. The virus's evolutionary landscape is dynamic, and KP.3’s emergence underscores the need for continual vigilance and adaptation in the fight against COVID-19.
Conclusion
The emergence of the KP.3 variant marks a new chapter in the ongoing battle against SARS-CoV-2. With its unique Q493E mutation, KP.3 is set to become a globally predominant strain, potentially surpassing the FLiRT variants. Its ability to evade the immune system and increase infectivity highlights the virus's adaptability and the challenges ahead for global health efforts. As the situation evolves, staying informed and prepared will be key to managing this new threat.
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Updates: Read As Well:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-news-besides-kp-3-another-newly-emerged-sars-cov-2-variant-lb-1-poses-a-major-threat-in-coming-months
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