Coronavirus research: “Mutated” virus now more infectious than ever

[Natural News]: The mutation, named D614G, increased the number of “spikes” on the coronavirus. These spikes, which comprise the virus’s crown or “corona,”interact with molecules on the surface of cells and enable the virus to invade its host. Having more spikes, noted the researchers, made the mutated virus more efficient at binding to and infecting cells. In fact, they found that it was nine times more infectious in vitro.

“The number – or density – of functional spikes on the virus is 4 or 5 times greater due to this mutation,” said Hyeryun Choe, an immunology professor at Scripps Research and a co-author of the study.

How the mutated coronavirus affects the severity of COVID-19 is still a subject for further exploration. But as co-author Michael Farzan explains, it’s not hard to believe that a connection exists. He noted that it’s too early to say at this point, but quickly added that the coronavirus changes slowly, so he doesn’t expect anything as dramatic as D614G to occur for a while.

Farzan also believes that the mutated virus isn’t likely to become more deadly; rather, “just more efficient at propagating itself.” In their report, the team said the antibodies from the blood of recovered patients showed promise in treating the mutated coronavirus....<<<Read The Full Article Here>>>...