Recent insights into SARS‐CoV‐2 omicron variant

Abstract

The SARS‐CoV‐2 omicron variant (B.1.1.529) was first identified in Botswana and South Africa, and its emergence has been associated with a steep increase in the number of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections. The omicron variant has subsequently spread very rapidly across the world, resulting in the World Health Organization classification as a variant of concern on 26 November 2021. Since its emergence, great efforts have been made by research groups around the world that have rapidly responded to fill our gaps in knowledge for this novel variant. A growing body of data has demonstrated that the omicron variant shows high transmissibility, robust binding to human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 receptor, attenuated viral replication, and causes less severe disease in COVID‐19 patients. Further, the variant has high environmental stability, high resistance against most therapeutic antibodies, and partial escape neutralisation by antibodies from convalescent patients or vaccinated individuals. With the pandemic ongoing, there is a need for the distillation of literature from primary research into an accessible format for the community. In this review, we summarise the key discoveries related to the SARS‐CoV‐2 omicron variant, highlighting the gaps in knowledge that guide the field's ongoing and future work.

Two Years into the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned

“… 629 − 631 More recently, we have revised in detail the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant and several characteristics related to this novel variant. 632 …”

“…The omicron VOC displays distinct biological characteristics, including strong binding to human ACE2 receptor and high transmissibility, − despite being less virulent than the original strain or the previous VOCs. In addition, the omicron VOC displays high environmental stability and high resistance against clinically approved monoclonal antibodies and immunity elicited by natural infection or vaccination. − More recently, we have revised in detail the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant and several characteristics related to this novel variant …”

SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Induces Enhanced Mucosal Interferon Response Compared to other Variants of Concern, Associated with Restricted Replication in Human Lung Tissues

“…The recently evolved SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has been shown to exhibit increased transmissibility and escape from humoral immunity generated by previous infections and vaccines [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. Importantly, accumulating clinical–epidemiological observations demonstrated that Omicron is associated with a milder disease compared with Delta and earlier variants of concern (VOC) [ 2 , 5 , 6 ].…”

Importance of Intermittent Fasting Regimens and Selection of Adequate Therapy on Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in SARS-CoV-2 Infection

“…A new wave of a subvariant of concern of the “omicron” variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)—which poses very high risk of infection—is spreading worldwide, continuing the evolving pandemic that is now in its third year [ 1 ]. The efficacy of current vaccines against this heavily mutated variant is still unclear [ 2 ].…”