Sidra Medicine research identifies mutation-free spots within Covid-19 virus

Sidra

Researchers at Sidra Medicine have identified spots within the novel coronavirus SARS?CoV2 that do not mutate; paving the way for future vaccine design that can address variants of the virus. Mutations in the novel coronavirus SARS?CoV2 are a major concern as they might lead to drug or vaccine resistance. Although most mutations may be detrimental to the virus's function, some will confer a significant advantage to the virus, helping it propagate and spread more rapidly. Many people infected with Covid-19, experience symptoms such as sneezing, which can lead to the virus spreading more widely. In Covid-19, the SARS-CoV2 virus mutates about twice a month, almost half the common influenza virus's rate. Despite the reduced level of activity, tens of thousands of mutations continue to be documented, some of which lead to 'strains' or 'variants' that spread more aggressively in humans and result in hospitalization. Dr Navaneeth Krishnamoorthy, a molecular biochemist along with Dr. Khalid Fakhro, Chief Research Officer at Sidra Medicine, developed models of mutations in the main protein of the Covid-19 virus. The project is part of Sidra Medicine's Precision Medicine Program aimed at addressing questions related to what spots (sites) of the Covid-19 virus do not mutate and whether it is possible to map them and use them to guide vaccine design.