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SciGuy45 t1_izwh36s wrote

A distantly related virus that happens to use the same receptor isn’t neutralized by CoV-2 antibodies. How is this a big deal, especially when Omicron is resistant to many monoclonals?

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Reasonable_Ticket_84 t1_izwxlxv wrote

It isn't, this is just normal research cataloging observations and discoveries for the pile. Someone in the future in a Sarbecovirus outbreak if it ever happens, can look back at the human knowledge built up over time.

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SciGuy45 t1_izx5za4 wrote

I’m a HUGE fan of basic research. What I dislike is overhyped conclusions.

“While these two viruses are in a viral lineage distinct from SARS-CoV-1 and -2, the RBD from one virus, Khosta 2, was capable of using human ACE2 to facilitate cell entry. Viral pseudotypes with a recombinant, SARS-CoV-2 spike encoding for the Khosta 2 RBD were resistant to both SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies and serum from individuals vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2.”

It’s not very interesting to randomly test the cross reactivity of antibodies to unrelated viruses. It’s much more important to understand the receptor:RBD dynamics. As a former journal editor at a different journal, I’m surprised this got into PLoS Pathogens.

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