Variants of SARS-CoV-2

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Recent research revealed a common mutation in the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that enhances the infectivity, replication, and early transmission of the virus. In primary human proximal airway epithelial cells, SARS-CoV-2 engineered to host the D614 G mutation observed that this strain replicated more effectively than the wildtype virus did. The D614 G strain also demonstrated much faster transmission of respiratory droplets than the wild virus in a hamster model of infection.

Importance of the spike protein: Some people who become infected with COVID-19 have only experienced mild or asymptomatic disease while others had serious health issues such as heart problems, coagulopathy, stroke or acute respiratory distress syndrome.

A surface structure called the spike glycoprotein is used by SARS-CoV-2 to bind the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) cellular receptor to gain entry into host cells. A virus may select its virulence, pathogenesis, or transmissibility to alter for mutations so the spike protein has become a central focus of interest in studies aiming to develop vaccines and therapies. The D614 G substitution in the spike glycoprotein has recently been identified as the most prevalent strain of SARS-CoV-2.

Diagnostic Pathology: Open Access is collecting manuscripts all over the globe on COVID-19 to endorse the advancement of current knowledge pertaining to clinical studies and scientific investigations and foster discussion in all the relevant aspects of Pathology such as Immunopathology, Virtual Pathology, Tissue based Diagnosis, Immunohistochemistry, Diagnostic Pathology of Infectious Diseases.

We have also announced a Special Issue on “Therapeutic Applications in COVID-19” acknowledging the significance in the Global Scientific Community. The Special Issue is being edited by our honourable Executive Editorial Chair Person Dr. Maria Teresa Mascellino. The Submissions are Open!

Regards,

Matthew Richard
Diagnostic Pathology: Open Access
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