Antibodies that might neutralize Omicron identified by scientists

Published

4 years ago

December 30, 2021

India

Antibodies that might neutralize Omicron identified by scientists

In a recent study, an international team of scientists identified antibodies that can neutralize omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants.

These antibodies target areas of the viral spike protein, which remain essentially unchanged when the virus mutates. The results of the study were published in the journal Nature.

David Veesler said that by identifying the targets of these “broadly neutralizing” antibodies on the spike protein, it is possible to design vaccines and antibody treatments that are effective not only for the omicron variant but also for other variants that may appear in the future. Researcher at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and associate professor of biochemistry at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle.

Also read: As Omicron advances Covid-19 cases, will 2022 be different?

“This discovery tells us that by focusing on antibodies against these highly conserved sites on the spike protein, there is a way to overcome the continuous evolution of the virus,” Wesseler said. Vir Biotechnology, in Switzerland. The lead authors of the study are Elisabetta Cameroni and Christian Saliba (Humabs), John E. Bowen (University of Washington Biochemistry) and Laura Rosen (Vir).

The omicron variant has 37 mutations in the spike protein, which is used to lock and invade cells. This is an unusually large number of mutations. It is believed that these changes partly explain why the variant can spread so quickly, thereby infecting people who have been vaccinated and reinfecting people who were previously infected.

“The main question we are trying to answer is: How does this series of mutations in the spike protein of the omicron variant affect its ability to bind to cells and evade immune system antibody responses,” Veesler said. Veesler and his colleagues speculate that a large number of omicron mutations may have accumulated during long-term infection in people with weakened immune systems, or accumulated during the spread of the virus from humans to animal species and then back. ]

To assess the impact of these mutations, the researchers designed a disabling, non-replicating virus called a pseudovirus, which produces spike proteins on its surface, just like a coronavirus. They then created pseudoviruses with spike proteins with omicron mutations, as well as those found in the earliest variants found in the pandemic.

The researchers first observed how different versions of the spike protein bind to the protein on the cell surface, which the virus uses to attach and enter the cell. This protein is called the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor.

Complete News Source : Hindustan Times

Related Topics:antibodies neutralize News omicron scientists

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Amitabh Bachchan Fan Faints After Hours of Torturous Waiting

Published

1 week ago

May 25, 2026

Digital Post

Amitabh Bachchan: Shocking Fan Incident Outside Jalsa

Amitabh Bachchan Fan Faints After Hours of Torturous Waiting

The weekly Sunday rite outside the renowned gates of Jalsa is nothing short of profoundly holy. For decades, thousands of deeply moved admirers have gathered like clockwork, hoping for a single glimpse of the iconic megastar.

Yesterday evening, that fierce commitment took a scary and sad turn. A middle-aged guy, who had been standing patiently in the scorching midday sun for more than four hours, collapsed unexpectedly.

He collapsed totally into profound sleep, landing directly on the harsh, unforgiving asphalt road. The happy, chanting crowd fell silent in an instant as reality hit in.

A Heartbreaking Moment of Desperation

According to eyewitnesses, this enthusiast travelled across various states for a two-minute glimpse of his idol. His quivering hands clutched a framed vintage photograph of the superstar.

As the searing midday heat reached its zenith, acute dehydration and utter physical fatigue overtook his body. His feeble knees bowed under the crushing weight of his never-ending, frantic wait.

He fell face first to the ground before anyone could react or grab him. The enormous crowd’s collective, frightened gasp boomed over Juhu’s normally peaceful suburban streets.

Sudden Chaos Outside Jalsa’s Gates

Within seconds, total fear spread among the observers. Fellow supporters quickly dropped their homemade banners and posters, coming to the fallen man’s rescue. Someone desperately sprayed cold water upon his pale, sweating face.

The large security crew stationed outside Amitabh Bachchan’s home acted quickly. They were able to remove the rising, panicked crowd, allowing the choking sufferer to breathe easier.

An emergency ambulance was dispatched immediately, while local volunteers attempted to revive him. In a few startling moments, the atmosphere went from exhilarating exhilaration to total horror.

The Relentless Sunday Evening Madness

Every Sunday evening, the veteran actor gracefully goes onto a high podium at his grand gates. It is a renowned custom that has completely defined Bollywood fan culture over generations.

Passionate admirers will miss meals, risk heavy monsoons, and suffer harsh summer heat waves only to see him wave. It is a profound, emotional bond that defies all reasonable logic.

For this heartbreakingly loyal admirer, the powerful emotional rush combined with severe physical tiredness proved to be a highly perilous, almost lethal combination on the boiling, sweltering concrete.

Security Personnel Scramble to Prevent Tragedy

Local police officers responded promptly to the chaotic scene, attempting to manage the emotionally charged throng. Medical staff administered quick, vital first aid on the scene, examining his critically weak and decreasing pulse.

The comatose man was gingerly put onto a canvas stretcher, still clutching his prized, sweat-soaked image of the actor. He was sent to a local hospital for emergency treatment.

On-duty medics eventually confirmed that he had severe heatstroke and acute, life-threatening dehydration. Fortunately, his medical condition improved after he received repeated IV infusions and intensive, appropriate care.

A Stark Warning for Star-Worshippers

This terrible, tragic episode has generated a heated, much-needed debate about the extreme limits of celebrity worship in India. Blind passion should never result in the death of an innocent person.

Jalsa is an undisputed historical monument to love, but yesterday it served as a grim, sobering lesson. Extreme physical endurance for a brief moment can easily result in a catastrophic medical tragedy.

As thousands of passionate individuals continue to flow to Mumbai every day, the fine line between beautiful appreciation and life-threatening devotion becomes increasingly, dangerously blurred for these fragile worshippers.

Terrifying Boundaries of Human Obsession

The burning passion that motivates these ordinary folks to risk their own health is both wonderful and scary. It emphasises the megastar’s immense, godlike influence over millions of hearts.

While the legendary actor continues to express love to his devoted fans, this dangerous occurrence demonstrates that safety should always come first. No fan should have to bleed or faint on the street in order to catch a passing shadow.

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