A new study published in the Science journal explains why Delta is so easily distributed and so quickly infects people, reports Cursor.
Last spring, the research head of Bing Chen showed how several earlier SARS-COV-2 strains became more contagious than the original virus. Each strain received a genetic change that stabilized the spacing protein – the surface protein on which modern vaccines are based. This mutation increased the ability of the option to penetrate the cells.
Delta strain, which appeared shortly thereafter, is the most infectious from those known today.
“We thought something completely different to happen, because Delta stands out among all the options. We found a property that we think explains his ability to transfer and still seems unique for this strain” – Says a scientist.
Using two types of cell tests, researchers have demonstrated that the studded Delta protein is particularly well suited for merging membranes. This allowed the simulated Delta virus to infect human cells much faster and more efficient than the other five SARS-COV-2 options. They visualized shock proteins from Delta, Kappa and Gamma options and compared them with spikes from previously characterized options G614, Alpha and Beta.
“The first thing we have noticed in Delta is what has happened to a great change in NTD, which is responsible for its resistance to neutralizing antibodies. RBD has also changed, but this has led to a small change in antibodies. Delta still remained sensitive To all the antibodies targeted by our RBD, “the scientist concluded.