UBC researchers unveil first molecular images of B.1.1.7 COVID-19 mutation
May 6, 2021
UBC researchers are the first in the world to publish structural images of the N501Y mutation on the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein—a change believed to be partly responsible for the highly infectious nature and rapid spread of variant B.1.1.7.
The pictures, taken at near-atomic resolution, provide critical insight as to why the B.1.1.7 variant—first detected in the U.K and now accounting for a growing number of cases across Canada—is more infectious. The images also add to the growing body of data indicating that existing vaccines are likely to remain effective in preventing mild and severe cases caused by B.1.1.7.
Dr. Sriram Subramaniam, professor in UBC faculty of medicine’s department of biochemistry and molecular biology, discusses the implications of his team’s research, recently published in PLOS Biology.
- University news
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