New study claims COVID-19 has mutated in India may threaten vaccine development

A strain of virus SARS-CoV-2 that was isolated from India has revealed a mutation, according to a non-peer reviewed study published in bioRxiv. According to researchers, this can capsize global vaccine development efforts. The strain was isolated from one of the first three COVID-19 patients in Kerala on January 27, 2020. The mutation happened in the spike protein (S1), which allows the virus to bind to ACE-2, an enzyme in human lungs. ACE-2 modulates blood pressure and immune response. The mutation made SARS-CoV-2 less likely to bind to ACE-2 receptors. This may reduce the virulence of the virus, but vaccines under development targeting the spike protein may not work with patients infected with the mutated virus strain. SARS-CoV-2 is considered to have a relatively low mutation rate as compared to SARS, which makes it easier for scientists to develop a vaccine. The constant mutation of the virus means the vaccine will need periodic tests and updates. According to Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness, a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is expected to be ready in early 2021.