Epidemiology and virological characteristics of the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant PJ.2.1
SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate globally at high levels and to evolve into new variants. Recently, a new saltation variant harbouring a highly mutated spike protein, PJ.2.1, emerged in North America. Here, we provide a brief epidemiological and virological characterization of PJ.2.1 and cocirculating variants. We report that PJ.2.1 is spreading in the USA, Canada, and Spain and mainly infects…
The SARS-CoV-2 virus remains prevalent worldwide and is undergoing continual evolution, giving rise to new variants. One such variant, named PJ.2.1, has recently appeared in North America and is now spreading across the United States, Canada, and Spain. This study offers a concise epidemiological and virological analysis of PJ.2.1, alongside other circulating variants.
PJ.2.1 predominantly targets individuals aged 60 years and above, mirroring the pattern observed in most other variants. However, it stands out by preferentially infecting younger individuals, specifically those aged 0-9 years, unlike BA.3.2, which is known to favor this age group.
When compared to other variants, PJ.2.1 exhibits decreased susceptibility to inhibition by an antibody targeting the ACE2 receptor, suggesting a higher ACE2 binding affinity. This increased binding could potentially facilitate the virus's spread. However, PJ.2.1 does not demonstrate enhanced evasion of antibodies from individuals who have received the LP.8.1-adapted vaccine, as compared to the majority of other variants examined.
These findings imply that the swift dissemination of PJ.2.1 may be driven more by its enhanced affinity for the ACE2 receptor rather than superior ability to evade vaccine-induced antibodies.
Written by urgent.news from bioRxiv's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
