This is the first image of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus

The Omicron variant of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 It presents many more mutations than the Delta lineage, according to a first “image” of it, made and published by the Bambino Gesù Hospital in Rome.

In this three-dimensional “image”, similar to a cartography, “It is clear that the omicron variant has many [que presenta asimismo un gran número de mutaciones], concentrated mainly in an area of ​​the protein that interacts with human cells ”, explained the team of researchers in a statement published this Sunday.

“This does not automatically mean that these variations are more dangerous, simply that generating another variant ”, the researchers pointed out. “Other studies will tell us if this adaptation is neutral, less dangerous or more dangerous ”.

The research team of the prestigious establishment Bambino Gesù focused on the search for mutations at the level of “The three-dimensional structure of the spike protein”Claudia Alteri, professor of clinical microbiology at the University of Milan and researcher at the aforementioned Roman hospital, explained to AFP.

That protein, which is the part of the virus is “responsible for the recognition of the human receptor and the entry of the virus into cells ”. “It is in the spike where monoclonal antibodies and, of course, vaccines act”, stressed.

The image was made “From the study of sequences of this new variant contributed to the scientific community” and coming above all “From Botswana, South Africa and Hong Kong.”

“This image, which represents a bit the map of all the variants, describes ” that they have, according to Claudia Alteri.

“From now on, it will be important to define, through laboratory experiments, if the combination of these combinations can have an impact on transmission or on , for instance”, he pointed.

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