Scientific Findings on the Immunology of BA.2.86

Sequence divergence of BA.2.86 Research Links

Because of the sequence divergence of BA.2.86, there is concern of a significant reduction in antibody activity against the virus variant. Preliminary data from laboratory-studies from multiple investigators suggest similar antibody activity against BA.2.86 as compared to other currently circulating viruses. We are doing the journal article research for you. These are only from .ORG or .EDU websites.

Research Articles from peer reviewed Science Journals

1. Why a highly mutated coronavirus variant has scientists on alert Nature 21 August 2023

2. Sensitivity of BA.2.86 to prevailing neutralising antibody responses BioRxiv 04 September 2023

3. Researchers characterize new SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86 variant neutralization by monoclonal antibodies 06 September 2023

4. US reports another BA.2.86 COVID-19 sequence 22 University of Minnesota August 2023

5. Sensitivity of the SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86 variant to prevailing neutralising antibody responses September 27, 2023

6. Tracing the new SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.2.86 in the community through wastewater surveillance in Bangkok, Thailand October 06, 2023

Research is under way to determine whether the mutation-laden lineage BA.2.86 has the potential for global spread — or whether it is nothing to worry about. This list will be updated daily as more is published.

Experience with past SARS-CoV-2 variants, will likely have protection against severe disease mediated by both cellular and antibody immunity. Real-world data are needed to fully understand the impact given the complexities of the immune response to this variant. Additional studies on this are ongoing, and we expect to learn more in upcoming weeks.

Immunology Research