Konishi, T.; Takahashi, T. Mutation Trajectory of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Virus, Measured by Principal Component Analysis. COVID2024, 4, 571-581.
Konishi, T.; Takahashi, T. Mutation Trajectory of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Virus, Measured by Principal Component Analysis. COVID 2024, 4, 571-581.
Konishi, T.; Takahashi, T. Mutation Trajectory of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Virus, Measured by Principal Component Analysis. COVID2024, 4, 571-581.
Konishi, T.; Takahashi, T. Mutation Trajectory of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Virus, Measured by Principal Component Analysis. COVID 2024, 4, 571-581.
Abstract
Since 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused a global pandemic, resulting in widespread infections and ongoing mutations. Analysing these mutations is essential for predicting future impacts. Unlike influenza mutations, SARS-CoV-2 mutations displayed distinct selective patterns that were concentrated in the spike protein and small ORFs. In contrast to the gradual accumulation seen in influenza mutations, SARS-CoV-2 mutations lead to the abrupt emergence of new variants and subsequent outbreaks. This phenomenon may be attributed to their targeted cellular substances; unlike the influenza virus, which has mutated to evade acquired immunity, SARS-CoV-2 appeared to mutate to target individuals who have not been previously infected. The Omicron variant, which emerged in late 2021, demonstrates significant mutations that set it apart from previous variants. The rapid mutation rate of SARS-CoV-2 has now reached a level comparable to 30 years of influenza variation. The most recent variant, JN.1, exhibits a discernible trajectory of change distinct from previous Omicron variants.
Keywords
mutations; conservation; variants; host specificity; JN.1; principal component analysis
Subject
Biology and Life Sciences, Virology
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
